WW2 POW Made Aluminium Trench Art Cigarette Case Sierra Leone

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

I have been told that these sweetheart cigarette cases where made by Italian and German POW's captured by the British Forces in North Africa in WW2 and imprisoned in POW camps across British controlled Africa.

No large-scale battles or military action took place in or around Sierra Leone during the WW2. However, the colony played a critical role in supporting the Allies throughout the conflict, with the capital city, Freetown acting as an important convey/supply station.

I believe these cases were traded for food and cigarettes by the POW’s.
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 beautiful example has a fine chisel work design that surrounds a central plain diamond shaped escutcheon that has been left blank. Obviously the owners name could be engraved onto the escutcheon, making the case very personal.

The back of the case also has fine chisel/engraving work and in the centre is an image of a lion sitting under a palm tree and beneath a zigzag border of mountains that represented the Lion Mountains, after which the country is named. It also has the with the words:

SIERRA LEONE

Inside the case it has the engraved image of a small town with turrets and palm trees.

On the other side is a image of a pretty woman in a summer outfit with a flower in her hair.

It also retains the original lugs and the elastic strap that 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 5.75” (14.7cm) wide, 2.9” (7.4cm) high and 0.5” (1.3cm) thick.

It weighs 95g.

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: 50489