Ypres Match box cover

Discussion in 'Militaria' started by KSW, Sep 27, 2020.

  1. KSW

    KSW Well-Known Member

    I wonder if any of you can tell me anything about this match box cover please?
    It is made out of very thick brass and I was thinking maybe it was made out of a shell?. Does it look right for the period?. The coats of arms I have researched all have the lion to the right but maybe there just wasn’t room?.
    It is inscribed beautifully on a piece of copper ‘To Louie from Ypres’.
    I found it in a box of scrap 1970s brass for 25p which makes me sad so I had to rescue it. It has polished up beautifully as it was very dirty and is incredibly tactile.
    Thanks for looking
    :)
    B7552F0C-173B-4D87-81DF-03E2998159C2.jpeg A373634B-E25E-42ED-A0CA-D838C9B59885.jpeg 40EBF639-20D0-4267-A96C-AB72E8582BAD.jpeg 2F5D4552-0A2F-4F5C-BC56-FC407870E261.jpeg 15CCB056-EA08-46AD-9142-A7530CE5DEEB.jpeg
     
    KSW, Sep 27, 2020
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  2. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    With it having a real recipients name I would say this is a genuine piece of WWI Trench Art.
    The maker might have brushed shoulders with my Grandfather.
     
    daveydempsey, Sep 27, 2020
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  3. KSW

    KSW Well-Known Member

    You are going to think I’m soft but I’ve been holding it trying to hear it’s story. I wish things like this could share their past.
    Glad you don’t think it’s story is from the gift shop in modern day Ypres!.
     
    KSW, Sep 27, 2020
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  4. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    My grandfather was badly wounded at Ypres, most of his regiment were wiped out.
    This is him aged 18 just before he went.
    My brother and me inherited his big feet and long fingers as have my sons.

    img859.jpg
     
    daveydempsey, Sep 27, 2020
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  5. KSW

    KSW Well-Known Member

    Very handsome!.
     
    KSW, Sep 27, 2020
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  6. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    That's wonderful. And really well made.
     
    Ownedbybear, Sep 29, 2020
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  7. kyratango

    kyratango Bug jewellery addiction!

    I'm as soft as you are:joyful: Always trying to "connect" to the pieces I get to "hear" what they'd have to say, and thinking of the person who made it or enjoyed it:rolleyes:
    Great salvage, and nice piece of history:woot:
     
    kyratango, Sep 29, 2020
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  8. KSW

    KSW Well-Known Member

    Yes, a very simple piece but made with some skill.
    My OH and I were trying to guess its history and who Louie was.
     
    KSW, Sep 29, 2020
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  9. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    I think Louie was Louis. British and American servicemen weren't the best at spelling French names then. Hence, Wipers.
     
    Ownedbybear, Sep 29, 2020
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  10. KSW

    KSW Well-Known Member

    Or a diminutive of Louise but suspect not a likely gift for a sweetheart.
     
    KSW, Sep 29, 2020
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  11. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    It's definitely a bloke thing.
     
    Ownedbybear, Sep 29, 2020
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Similar Threads: Ypres Match
Forum Title Date
Militaria Gunner F. J. Mears (1890-1929) Ypres Research Apr 18, 2020

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