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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.
Product Details
● 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
● Approx. 6" long x 3" tall — substantial, well-detailed casting
● A wonderful piece for WWI militaria collectors, trench art enthusiasts, or a French history display
Condition Notes
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
● Small losses of plating/finish in scattered spots, consistent with age and handling
● 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
Shipping & Returns
● FREE shipping — carefully packed with extra padding around the tank turret and helmet
● Returns accepted for any reason — your satisfaction is guaranteed
● Ships within 1-2 business days from a smoke-free home
Questions or want additional photos? Just ask — happy to help before you buy!
