Original German WWI “Trench Art” Ashtray with M16 Stahlhelm & M1898/05 Butcher Bayonet - Hindenburg Cross - Assembled Post-WWII Vintage Signs It has been expertly air

It has been expertly air brushed to provide the cold glimmering look of steel

The seat cushion retains its stamped information as well:

a development  of the optical industry-coating optical surfaces with a  magnesium fluoride film to reduce loss of light by reflection- had been under study by the Army and Navy for some time

It shows a bit of light wear and fraying

The sweatband is embossed with ZEPHYR in gold along with CAP L

Original German WWI “Trench Art” Ashtray with M16 Stahlhelm & M1898/05 Butcher Bayonet - Hindenburg Cross - Assembled Post-WWII Vintage Signs It has been expertly airOriginal Item. One of a Kind. Trench art is any decorative item made by soldiers, prisoners of war, or civilians where the manufacture is directly linked to armed conflict or its consequences. It offers an insight not only to their feelings and emotions about the war, but also their surroundings and the materials they had available to them. Not limited to the World Wars, the history of trench art spans conflicts from the Napoleonic Wars to the present