For decades, tobacco companies worldwide have tirelessly influenced different sectors of society and culture to embrace cigarettes. From a military point of view, allowances of tobacco had been a part of naval life for centuries, but it wasn't until WWI that tobacco companies began to target military personnel with the eventual inclusion of cigarettes into troops’ rations. It was asserted that regular use of tobacco while under duress would not only calm the soldiers but allow them to withstand greater hardship. General Pershing was reported as saying; "You ask me what we need to win this war. I answer tobacco as much as bullets. Tobacco is as indispensable as the daily ration; we must have thousands of tons without delay." During WWII, tobacco companies continued to foster the culture of wartime smoking by sending free cigarettes to troops and supporting the inclusion of cigarettes into rations as they "lightened the inevitable hardships of war" and are the "last and only solace of the wounded".
Anti-smoking movements grew in many nations from the mid 1800s, and surprisingly perhaps, the most powerful anti-smoking movement in the world existed in Nazi Germany during the 1930s / early 40s. Their research on smoking and its effects on health was the most important of its type at the time, and of course the risks to women and their ability to bear children were one of the significant factors in their studies. Hitler, himself an ex-smoker, viewed smoking with distaste and strongly disapproved of smoking in military circles.
Smoking related items therefore can easily become stigmatised as a reminder of what is often regarded as an undesirable habit. Nonetheless, ashtrays and cigarette lighters etc have evolved into an art form which is historically significant, particularly when linked to places / events during war years, and as such are an important reminder of life in these times.
To reserve an item email: alligatormilitaria@gmail.com or text: +44 (0)7970 273034
WWII Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (R.E.M.E) spills holder
With applied R.E.M.E collar badge, first pattern 1942 - 1947. Made from a conical artillery shell fuse cover which protected the fuse when in transit. The cone was simply cut in half, the narrowest end turned upside down and brazed into the lower half. This could then be used by the fireplace for holding wooden spills to transfer a flame to light a candle or pipe for example. Overall good used vintage condition with only very minor dings and knocks.
During the early years of WWII, it became clear that manpower dedicated to repairing the huge levels of equipment in each theatre of war was woefully lacking, thus the R.E.M.E was formed in 1942, soon becoming a vital combat corps operating front line repair workshops. After the war, R.E.M.E Major Ivan Hirts was put in charge of rebuilding the Volkswagon factory which became a R.E.M.E. repair depot and famously re-started production of the Beetle car.
H:5 x Dia:6.2cm
£12.00 + £4.69 P&P UK
Arts and Crafts style copper ashtray
Hand beaten ashtray with interesting Medieval spear tip motif. No maker's mark or signature. Nevertheless the unusual design with relaxed form and bowed edges is quite charming. The underside is quite heavily toned, the upper surface is lightly toned no doubt having been regularly cleaned. Small area of dark staining on rim as can be seen, plus minor spotting.
L:15 X W:10 x D:1cm
£10.00 + £2.95 P&P UK
Liberation of Italy cast aluminium ashtray - Ancona 1944 - 1945
Ashtray with cigarette rests (creating a lifebelt effect) together with crossed anchors, supported by three short legs. Probably sandcast, there is a slight loss of material on the left bottom edge, no doubt occurring during manufacture. Some staining from use, but otherwise nice condition.
The Port of Ancona, on the Adriatic coast of Italy, became pivotal in the Allied plan to gain possession of a seaport close to the Front Line to support the advance into Northern Italy. The Polish 2nd Corps together with the 7th Queen's Own Hussars were tasked with capturing the city, which they accomplished between 16th June - 18th July 1944. Italy formerly surrendered in May 1945.
Lieutenant General Władysław Anders, Commander of the Polish 2nd Corps tasked with capture of Ancona.
NB. The Polish 2nd Corps became a major tactical and operational unit of the Polish Armed Forces in the West. Anders commanded the Corps throughout the Italian Campaign, capturing both Monte Cassino and Ancona in 1944. Afterward his Corps took part in the breaking of the Gothic Line and the final spring offensive.
For their action in the battle while seconded to the Polish corps, the British 7th Queen's Own Hussars received the battle honour "Ancona".
L:15.5 x W:12 x H:3cm £25.00 + £4.25 P&P UK
WWI 'Trench Art' ashtray & matchbox holder
18-pndrs in action near Bellewaarde Lake, 3rd Ypres - 1917.
A cut down 18-pounder shell case with ruffled edges to form cigarette rests. The removeable matchbox holder, with 'Souvenier' (note spelling) engraved on the front, is supported by a French Lebel cartridge case and spent round.
Believed to be of Canadian manufacture, the case and primer are profusely stamped and include the date 1916. In some areas the detail has started to fade a little, due to polishing over the years, with some traces of polish remaining. The matchbox included is of 1960s vintage.
H:13 x Dia:11cm £25.00 + £4.25 P&P UK
The 18-pounder field gun formed the backbone of the Royal Field Artillery during WWI during which over 86 million 18-pounder shells were fired. Up to a million a week were fired in the summer of 1917 alone.
Vintage leather covered Flag cigarettes tin
W.D. and H.O. Wills tobacco company. FLAG CIGARETTES clearly stamped in the base, a fragment cut from a handwritten note lining the bottom. The lettering impressed into the lid is now only partially readable and there are small areas of corrosion to inner surfaces. Skilfully covered in leather and raffia, this type of work is typically African, usually created as souvenirs for troops. An example of a cigarette tin treated in a similar way can be found in the collection at Manchester Museum.
H:9 x Dia:7cm £22.00 + £4.25 P&P UK
Trench Art vase - French 75mm shell case dated 1916
Trench Art vase - French 75mm shell case dated 1916
Exhibit from Samlesbury Hall WWI exhibition 2014 - 2021.
A cut down shell case from the French 75mm quick firing field gun (adopted in 1898) dated 16 (1916) on the base, together with: A.RS (Atelier de Construction de Rennes).
This holly branch theme with nicely depicted leaves and berries is clearly the work of a gifted artist, and has a striking three-dimensional and almost sculptural form. Of course holly has long been used simply to decorate homes in winter, but Christian symbolism, Celtic mythology and ancient folklore all give the simple holly branch greater significance.
An unusual example in great overall condition with pleasing patination and minor traces of old polish.
Height: 29cm
£42.00 + £4.25 P&P UK
Trench Art pair of vases - French 75mm shell cases
Exhibit from Samlesbury Hall WWI exhibition 2014 - 2021.
A pair of shell cases from the French 75mm quick firing field gun, each from different manufacturers but both clearly dated 16 (1916) on the base.
With ruffled mouths and flowing Art Nouveau style, these are an excellent example of the genre. Skilfully designed and produced, they appear exactly identical, with only subtle differences from one another apparent under close examination.
Overall great condition with pleasing patination and minor traces of old polish.
Height: 35cm
£70.00 + £8.60 P&P UK