Stunning WW2 Italian POW Made Aluminium Trench Art Cigarette Case Egypt 1947

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.

I believe 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 and blue celluloid windows and doors, set against a blue and red sky.

The back of the case has an image of Africa in the middle, against a cut out sunray, with a red and blue background. The image of Africa has the Egyptian Sphinx, a palm tree and pyramid engraved on the front.
Also on the back of the case are engraved the name EYGPT and the date 1947.

Inside the case it has the raised images of two touching hearts with red coloured celluloid centres, where photos could be inserted.

On the other side is an saucy image of a woman laying down in lingerie!

It also retains the original lugs and the elastic strap which is rare to find these days and would be used 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 a shiny polished finish.

It measures 5” (12.7cm) wide, 3.25” (8.3cm) high and 0.6” (1.6cm) thick.

It weighs 101g.

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: 50355