Miniature French-style saucepans made from British coins

Overview

Two miniature French-style saucepans made from British coins. The larger of the two has a British One Penny coin dated 1937 as the base. It features the bare (uncrowned) head of King George VI facing left on one side and the seated figure of Britannia facing right on the other. The smaller saucepan has a British Half Penny coin dated 1916 as the base. It features the bare (uncrowned) head of King George V facing left on one side and the same seated figure of Britannia facing right on the other. The Half Penny shows significantly more wear than the One Penny coin
The sides of the saucepans and the long handles attached are made from thin copper coloured metal.

Historical information

These two miniature saucepans are part of a large number of items in the collection made from coins. These include jewellery such as brooches and bracelets, small photo frames,and other bric a brac.
Many of these items were made by servicemen and could be called trench art. This is sometimes confirmed by engraving on the reverse side of the coins.
Assuming that these two saucepans were made by the same person, it makes sense that the earlier Half Penny should show more signs of wear due to circulation than the One Penny. The latter coin was the first issued during the reign of King George VI (1937-1952), whereas the former was closer to the start of the reign of King George V (1911-1936).
Just because the coins have a specific date doesn't mean that the saucepans were made at that time. All that can be confirmed is that they were made from 1937 onwards.
Alternatively, the saucepans could have been made for a child's doll house or as collectibles given as a gift.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-119-RoW00840
Item type
Coins
Collectibles
Decorative Objects
Ephemera
Metalwork
Souvenirs
Toys
Material
Bronze
Copper
Copper alloy
Solder
Width
70 mm
Height or length
36 mm
Depth
31 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On inside of larger saucepan:

"ONE PENNY
1937"

On base of larger saucepan:

"GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX F : D : IND : IMP :"

On inside of smaller saucepan:

"HALF PENNY
1916"

On base of smaller saucepan:

"GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:"

Keywords
Coin
Trench Art
Saucepan
Dolls' Accessories
History - Social
Primary significance criteria
Artistic or aesthetic significance
Social or spiritual significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Last modified
Friday, 17 April, 2026
Completeness
83
Related Objects

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Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Side view of miniature saucepans made from British coins
Side view of miniature saucepans made from British coins
Miniature saucepans made from British coins
Miniature saucepans made from British coins
Miniature saucepans made from British coins
Miniature saucepans made from British coins
Miniature saucepans made from British coins - close up from top
Miniature saucepans made from British coins - close-up from top
Miniature saucepans made from British coins - close-up from below
Miniature saucepans made from British coins - close-up from below

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