Germany, Imperial. A First World War Trench Art Letter Opener Hold the perimeter of the cap

the perimeter of the cap trimmed in a flowing thistle-pattern design

the reverse inscribed “Der Tapferkeit” (German - For Bravery) within a wreath consisting of oak and laurel leaves

silver and gold

with the throat held together by a single rivet

Private with the Devonshire Regiment

Germany, Imperial. A First World War Trench Art Letter Opener Hold the perimeter of the cap(Grabenkunst Briefffner). A unique First World War trench art letter opener, constructed of bronze retrieved from a munitions shell, featuring a ribbed handle and Iron Cross centrepiece connecting to a tapering blade with a sharpened tip and edges, unmarked, measuring 30 mm (w) x 220 mm (l), the tip has been slightly blunted and minor tarnishing is evident, in overall near extremely fine condition.