Named WW2 Italian POW made Aluminium Trench Art Cigarette Case - India 1946

Here on offer is a genuine WW2 Italian POW made aluminium Trench Art Cigarette/Sweetheart Case from India 1946.

The case is in excellent condition and still retains a bright finish to the aluminium.

I have been told that these sweetheart cigarette cases were made by Italian POW's captured by the British Forces during WW2, who traded them for food and cigarettes.

India had a number of POW camps during WW2 and the camps at Bangalore, Ramgarh and Dehra Dun were specifically for Italian POW’s.

The cases were made using the aluminium frames of downed aircraft mainly 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 the hand engraved image of a dancing ballerina.

The back of the case displays an intricate design, set in the centre with the name: BEN.

Inside the lid of the case, it is engraved with a message, that reads as:

TO DAD FROM EDDIE
INDIA 1946
On the other side is engraved the a pattern for diamond shapes.

It still 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, albeit this elastic has stretched a lot and is now fragile.

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

Overall, it is excellent condition with no cracks or splits, just a few very light surface scratches.

It measures 6” (15.3cm) wide, 3” (7.7cm) deep and 0.5” (1.4cm) thick.

It weighs 115g.

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: 51626