{"product_id":"wwi-imperial-german-gott-mit-uns-trench-art-matchbox-holder-belt-buckle-emblem","title":"WWI Imperial German “Gott Mit Uns” Trench Art Matchbox Holder-Belt Buckle Emblem","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal period-style Imperial German brass matchbox holder featuring a separately applied \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Gott Mit Uns” crown medallion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The front displays the classic Imperial German\/Prussian design consisting of a crowned center surrounded by a wreath and the motto \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“GOTT MIT UNS” (“God With Us”)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, closely associated with Imperial German military belt buckles of the First World War era.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe holder is constructed from folded brass sheet and was made to accept a standard sliding cardboard matchbox. The applied medallion is a separately manufactured stamped component and displays substantial age, oxidation and dark patina that contrasts attractively with the brass body. Its design closely follows the roundel used on Imperial German enlisted belt buckles and may represent a repurposed period buckle component, although we cannot definitively establish its original source.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe piece displays the handmade\/utilitarian character commonly associated with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWWI trench art and soldier-made personal items\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The brass body exhibits considerable untouched patina, oxidation, spotting, scratches and handling wear consistent with age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCurrently included is a vintage \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLite King Safety Matches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e box manufactured by Pacific Match Co. of Tacoma, Washington. This matchbox is later than the Imperial German piece and is included as found; it is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enot represented as original to the WWI period\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn unusual and highly displayable piece for a collection of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWWI trench art, Imperial German militaria, soldier personal effects, match safes or tobacco-related military artifacts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43373899677773,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/CD07AC34-C849-4F87-B29B-1562B971CEA9.jpg?v=1786122612","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/wwi-imperial-german-gott-mit-uns-trench-art-matchbox-holder-belt-buckle-emblem","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}