WW2 SA Engineer Corps North Africa Campaign Shell Casing And Bullets Trench Art Set. 1941-1943.

A rare WW2 trench art set made by the S.A.E.C. / S.A.G. (South African Engineer Corps / Suid-Afrikaanse Geniekorps) during the North Africa Campaign.  It is comprised of the following :  

1. A large solid brass caddy made from a shell casing.  It is lidded and rests on 3 rifle or machine gun round legs.  It bears the S.A.E.C. / S.A.G. insignia.  The shell casing base is dated "1940" and bears numerous markings.  The bullet leg bases are also marked and bear the military "broad arrow".  The lid is engraved "Souvenir of Egypt, 1941-42-43".  A heavy piece at 2.6 kg.

2. A smaller solid brass tobacco jar, probably made from the same shell casing as above judging by it's diameter.  It is also lidded with a rifle or machine gun round finial.  It rests on 3 smaller calibre 7.65 mm pistol round legs.  These bear numerous markings to the bases. Weighs in at 800 grams.

Note : The overall condition of the items is good with no dents.  The 2 lids do show some wear and tarnishing spots.  Not surprising after 3 years in the desert!  The workmanship of these items is far superior to the standard trench art one normally sees and are appropriately "well-engineered".  A great addition to any military collection.

Height (caddy) : 19 cm

Diameter (caddy base) : 13.5 cm

Height (tobacco jar) : 8 cm

Diameter (base) : 13 cm