A fund-raising piece of pottery from World War 1 imploring the patriotic public to buy war bonds and 'do their bit' towards the war effort. I have no idea if any money from the sale of souvenirs like this pottery tank went towards the war bonds but no doubt the novelty of a tank on your table helped move hundreds if not thousands of these pieces of the potter's art.
In fact the tank is, or was, a salt cellar so maybe somewhere there is a matching piece of ceramic military hardware that is a pepper pot. Some research is needed on that one although the chance of finding the pepper pot, should it exist, is pretty remote. Maybe you could use it whichever condiment you preferred?
Sadly the muzzle of each of the barrels of the 4 pounder gun that protruded on each side of the tank has snapped off, the barrels probably went in the first week of ownership if the tank was used as a salt cellar.
The tank was christened by the crew with the name 'Creme De Menthe, but without the 'E' on the end, and she was probably toasted with the same mint liqueur before the first active mission.
There you have it, a table-top tank.
A nice piece John. Those tanks of WW1 were something else.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
Thanks Brook Trout, I remember the tank in my grandmother's china cabinet when I was four or five. Not much of a family heirloom but a piece of social history certainly. John
ReplyDeleteVery interesting John. I have my father's lapel discharge pin, from WWI. He was drafted in 1918 but the war was over 4 mos later so he was discharged and never shipped out. Nevertheless, he stood ready to serve unlike "cadet bonespurs". The US gov't did provide us with a footstone, for his grave which is very very nice since the American Legion places a small flag on all vet's graves on Memorial day. A very nice tradition.
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ReplyDeleteI approve of the flags, a marvellous gesture. I have my grandfather's pocket knife, hardly any blade left, all sharpened away. He was in the artillery and a spotter in no-man's land checking the fall of the shells. This was at Paschaendale, one night they built a special metal tree to keep him safe. They erected it at night and of course the German gunners blew it up, he lost a leg and was gassed as well. Somehow he survived until 1935.
Thank you for sharing this important piece from a century ago. It shows that the great global conflict was fought from the front lines to the kitchen table. I imagine that what is now a historic family momento was once a daily reminder of those brave souls risking their lives.
ReplyDeleteMay our friendship continue as we have far more in common than simply sharing ideas for wrapping fur and feathers around a fish hook. Although that's quite important as well.
Bill Love
Sandpoint, Idaho USA
ReplyDeleteBill, Many thanks for your lovely comment. Fine sentiments indeed. Regards, John
a nice piece of our history John, it maybe not worth much but sentimental value is 2nd to none.
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ReplyDeleteGeorge you are absolutely right, we can never imagine the motivations or emotions when it was first purchased. Social history. Regards, John
Lets forget what colour coat Corbyn wore or even Cadet Bonespur forgetting his umbrella for a brief moment.Lions led by donkeys. On all sides
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ReplyDeleteFair comment BB. I think the original comment was by a German general. Either way it was slaughter on an industrial scale. Quite incomprehensible. The common man has always paid for the politicians zeal. Or something. John