Clock 1914
Steel, brass, copper, enamel, glass | 33.8 x 7.3 x 7.3 cm (whole object) | RCIN 69474
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A French 75mm ammunition shell with clock face inserted into the front. The shell is of turned steel with a copper drive band and brass fuze tip; the clock has a plain rectangular face with black Roman numerals. At the base of the shell is an inscription Obus du 75 Bataille de la Marne, Septembre 1914
The first Battle of the Marne took place 6-10 September 1914, it was a victory for the Allies and marked the end of the German advance into France.
Following the First World War, various firms, such as the British Army & Navy Store offered to mount or personalise war souvenirs brought back by service personnel; clocks made from bullets or ammunition shells were a popular form.Provenance
Formed part of King George V's War Museum at Windsor Castle, established to display his collection of First World War souvenirs; the King was assisted by the Royal Archivist & Librarian John Fortescue (1859-1933). Many of these objects were loaned to the Imperial War Museum in 1936 at the suggestion of King Edward VIII.
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Steel, brass, copper, enamel, glass
Measurements
33.8 x 7.3 x 7.3 cm (whole object)