WW1 French Trench Art Brass Matchbox Cover - German Pickelhaube Souvenir de France

This is an original World War I era brass matchbox sliding cover sleeve.

This piece is a classic piece of "sweetheart" or victory trench art, commercially produced in France circa 1918–1919 for Allied soldiers (British, American, Canadian) to bring home as wartime trophies after the Armistice.

It features a highly detailed, embossed central medallion depicting an Imperial German M1895 Pickelhaube (spiked helmet).

The helmet plate clearly displays the Prussian "Gott Mit Uns" (God with us) motto.

The spine is beautifully embossed with a lucky four-leaf clover/shamrock symbol and a flowing ribbon banner reading "SOUVENIR DE FRANCE".

The rear is smooth brass with the classic four triangular cutout corner windows to show the inner cardboard matchbox label.

Its in a good antique condition with a beautiful, uncleaned natural aged patina.

Shows honest pocket wear, light surface scuffs, and minor verdigris appropriate for an item over 100 years old.

The sleeve is structurally sound with no major dents, retaining its original rectangular shape.

An excellent, tactile piece of Great War history for any militaria, trench art, or tobacciana collector..  

 length: 2.5" (61mm)

width: 1.6" (40mm)

The photographs are of the actual item and form part of the description. 

 Please examine the photographs carefully and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.