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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 £10.00 + £4.45 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 + £4.45 P&P UK
Vintage leather covered Flag cigarettes tin - WWII era souvenir for British troops
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 + £4.45 P&P UK