Beautiful WW2 Italian POW Made Aluminium Trench Art Cigarette Case

Here on offer is a WW2 Italian POW made aluminium Trench Art Cigarette/Sweetheart Case.

I have been told that these sweetheart cigarette cases where made by Italian POW's captured by the British Forces in North Africa in WW2. Apparently, they were traded for food and cigarettes by the Italian POW’s.

The POW Camp at Fayid, Egypt was one of the last camps to have its inmates repatriated in 1948.

The cases where made using the aluminium frames of downed aircraft from the North African front.
Each case was then individually hand engraved and therefore each one is unique!

The front of this fine example has detailed pierced images of a Mosque with red, white and blue circular windows and red doors, set against a blue sky.

The back of the case has an image of Africa in the middle, beautifully engraved with a palm tree in the centre.
What is unusual with this example is the back has been inset with strips of very fine black leather or possibly even fine black shagreen, which puts this case in a class of its own.

The rear of the case also has a symmetrical wavy line designed boarder.

Inside the case it has detailed symmetrical engravings of lines and diamond shapes, on both of the inner lids.

It also retains the original lugs for an elastic strap that would have been fitted originally, to hold the cigarettes in place.

The case is opened by pressing an aluminium catch at the edge of the case, which still works perfectly as does the hinge.

The case itself is in excellent condition with no cracks or splits, just a few very light surface scratches through use. The aluminium has a nice smooth feel and almost shiny finish.

It measures 5.4” (13.8cm) wide, 3.25” (8.3cm) high and 0.6” (1.6cm) thick.

It weighs 122g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50205