AUSTRIAN 1917 WWI Superb Trench-Art Desk Petrol Rasp Lighter In Solid Bronze
A Trench-art desk rasp striker designed with WWI ammunitions parts.
This is an Austro-Hungarian World War I Trench-Art Desk Rasp Striker-lighter, Circa 1917. This rare and unusual piece, was fashioned from a repurposed solid brass artillery-fuse component and associated with the Austro-Hungarian military. Dating to 1917, the original part is stamped “1917 H.Z.”, with “H.Z.” understood as an abbreviation for Haubenzünder, referring to a howitzer fuse. The heavy brass military component was subsequently adapted into a functional desk accessory and striker, transforming an original piece of wartime ammunition into a personal soldier's memento. The additional “26.Gy.E” marking is consistent with Austro-Hungarian military unit or registry markings and may relate to the 26th Infantry Regiment (26. Gyalogezred).
This type of object is representative of trench art, the practice by which soldiers transformed spent ammunition components and other military materials into decorative or functional objects during and after the First World War. Such pieces served as tangible souvenirs of military service and life in the trenches, often combining practical ingenuity with personal remembrance. Crafted from substantial solid brass, this remarkable object retains the character of its original military component while reflecting the resourcefulness of Austro-Hungarian soldiers. Rare, unusual, and highly evocative, it is an exceptional military memento and historical desk piece, appealing to collectors of World War I trench art, Austro-Hungarian militaria, ammunition-related artifacts, and soldiers' personal objects.
Trench-Art
This refer to any decorative or functional object made by soldiers, prisoners of war, or civilians using leftover military materials like spent shell casings, bullets, shrapnel, and wire. While it became massively popular during World War I, the practice spans multiple conflicts and serves as a poignant record of wartime history. The common Materials and Objects-materials was brass artillery shell cases, copper driving bands, lead bullets, shrapnel, wood, and bone. Objects: Vases, ashtrays, lighters, letter openers, and miniature models of tanks or planes. Who Made It Soldiers: Created items during quiet rest periods to pass the time, relieve stress, or make keep sakes. Prisoners of War & Civilians: Often manufactured behind the lines, in hospitals, or local villages as a way to trade or sell items to troops.
Country: Austrian-Hungarian Empire.
Period: WW-I, 1917-1919.
Model: Trench-art desk manual rasp-striker lighter.
Materials: Solid polished bronze, with hard pewter soldering.
Weight: 252.4 Grams, (0.26 Kg).
Measurements: H. 131 mm by L. 62 mm by D. 36 mm (5.15 x 2.44 x 1.42 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped at the bottom, with the marks as follows, "1917 H.Z 26.OY.E".
Note: This antique WWI trench-art petrol lighter is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition.
Condition: The overall condition of this antique WWI trench-art petrol lighter is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the any part and is in working-display condition. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D081226SCEY/.8856
