WWI French Trench Art Inkwell Renault FT17 Tank Helmet Souvenir de Verdun B31

WWI French Trench Art Double Inkwell - Renault FT-17 Tank & Adrian Helmet, "Souvenir de Verdun". A wonderfully detailed piece of French WWI trench art / patriotic souvenir ware: a silvered spelter desk inkwell sculpted as a Renault FT-17 tank cresting a battlefield ridge, with a French Adrian helmet perched beside it, both set atop a base modeled with trenches, barbed wire, and sandbags.

A brass plaque reads "Sr de VERDUN" (Souvenir de Verdun), and both the tank turret and the helmet lift open on hinges to reveal a pair of inkwells beneath - a classic Franco-Belgian battlefield-tourism souvenir from the years following the Great War. Cast spelter/white metal figural double inkwell, silvered finish with gilt highlights. Renault FT-17 tank with rotating-style turret and cannon detail, full track and idler wheel castings. French Adrian helmet (with grenade insignia) sculpted beside the tank. BOTH the tank turret lid and the helmet lid are hinged and open to reveal separate inkwells. Base modeled in relief with trench boards, barbed wire posts, and sandbags. Brass plaque to the front reads "Sr de VERDUN" (Souvenir de Verdun). "MADE IN FRANCE" stamped inside one of the hinged lids. 6" long x 3" tall - substantial, well-detailed casting. A wonderful piece for WWI militaria collectors, trench art enthusiasts, or a French history display. A genuine antique piece with honest age wear. Please review all photos closely, as they are part of the description. Silvering shows expected wear and rubbing with warm brassy/bronze tone showing through in high-touch areas - this is typical patina for this type of piece and adds to the character. Both hinges are intact and function - tank turret and helmet lids open and close properly.

No dents, breaks, or repairs noted - base and figures are structurally solid. A wire/tag remnant is visible near one handle in photos - cosmetic only, does not affect the piece.

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