A medium size, sterling silver, highly detailed box. This is perhaps a unique, private order piece. We have never seen, or handled another like it. It is modeled on an English, World War Two mortar munitions trunk. It is an exact, miniaturised replica of a B166 II trunk. This type of strap lidded box with swing out side handles was made across the English Army pre, and during, the Second World War for a variety of munitions ranging from bullets all the way through to larger artillery shells. This deeper rectangular shape appears to be more of a mortar carrying example.
The box was originally designed to hold cigarettes with a large central compartment lined with cedar wood. This wood was used to keep moisture and freshness to the tobacco. The interior has the space for a cedar wood divider that can be removed (as it has in this case) to also store smaller cigars. Being that during this time cigarettes did not contain filters, they would have been more than likely sat on their ends making the divider obsolete.
The exterior body is very highly detailed with all of the relevant parts functioning as they would on the life-size example. The front locking straps fold up to clasp the lid shut. The straps on the opposite side of the lid are hinged to mimic the real life example where a bracket on the top of the lid, and the base is held together by a moving buckle like detail. The side handles, as in the real life box, swing out to help in the lifting and transporting of the box. The box is fully handmade, and is a perfect replica with even the pressed, stamped edges being hand picked out by hand engraved lines around the edges of the sides of the box.
The condition of the box throughout is impeccable. It has been polished over the years, and the original exterior hallmarks are a little rubbed as a result. However, the interior marks are perfect. It would make a wonderful addition for any study or library for anyone with military interest. It was bought along with another box that was made for the Royal Artillery section of the English Army. It was a presentation piece also in the form of an artillery shell trunk. Only this time larger, and featuring the Royal Artillery's crest on it. Given that this was a mortar shell case, it is likely that this too was made for the Royal Artillery, with both boxes either sitting in a mess hall, or in the offices of commanding officers during World War Two. Pieces like this do not ever come to market, and represent a unique opportunity to purchase hand made, Army owned, silver boxes.
There are a series of hallmarks on the outside edge of the base above the lift out handles of the box denoting the sterling silver content, and that it was made in London, England in 1940 by Padgett & Braham Limited. Padgett & Braham were one of England's top silversmiths and had a rich history in making items for the English military as commemorative and presentation pieces. So, this relationship makes sense with this example. A truly special piece of history made as the Second World War was raging throughout Europe.
