WWII era trench art coin bracelet given to Louise by Ernie 1944

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1944

Overview

World War Two era trench art Australian coin bracelet. It features two central florins flanked by two shillings, two sixpences and a threepence.
Each coin has two small holes drilled into either side through which two linking rings are threaded.
The coins are positioned such that each displays the opposite side to its neighbour - obverse, reverse, obverse etc.
All of the coins have had detailing removed on one side to leave a smooth surface. The two central florins have been engraved with the text 'To Louise from Ernie 24 Mar '44" and 'APO 322 New Guinea'.
The two end coins have a larger ring holding the linking rings. One has an additional ring attached while the other has a spring ring clasp which can be opened to insert the ring from the opposite end to secure the bracelet.

Historical information

This sweetheart bracelet is one 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, as in this case.

During World War Two, APO 322 was a United States Army Post Office located at Finschhafen, New Guinea. It handled mail, V-Mail, and postal operations for U.S. military units stationed in the area. Although the identities of Ernie and Louise are unknown, it is possible that Ernie was a U.S. serviceman.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01061

Item type

Collectibles

Jewellery

Metalwork

Souvenirs

Themes

Social History

War and Conflict

War and Conflict > World War 2