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✦ IMPERIAL RUSSIAN WWI-ERA TRENCH ART
A genuinely striking piece of early military folk art, handmade from layered Imperial Russian coinage and three tapered rifle projectiles.
The two-coin construction is especially interesting. A smaller Imperial Russian coin has been soldered in raised relief over the larger base coin, with both separate reeded edges clearly visible from the side. The surviving designs prominently display the 1908 date, “3 Kopeks” denomination, Saint Petersburg mint mark and Romanov double-headed eagle. The surrounding Cyrillic inscription translates to “Copper Russian Coin.”
Three projectile components were carefully soldered beneath the coins, while a handmade copper loop was added at the top for suspension. This was likely worn or carried as a pendant, watch fob or personal keepsake.
◆ THE GOOD-LUCK TALISMAN THEORY
The combination of Imperial Russian coinage, military projectiles and a suspension loop strongly suggests a WWI-era Eastern Front talisman, good-luck charm or sweetheart keepsake. Pieces of this general type were sometimes carried by soldiers or sent home as intensely personal reminders of wartime service.
Its precise maker and original purpose cannot be documented with complete certainty. However, the materials, hand-built construction, old solder, naturally developed verdigris and undisturbed patina are all consistent with genuine early-20th-century trench art.
The projectiles appear consistent with the 7.62×54R ammunition used in the Russian Mosin-Nagant service rifle, although the exact caliber has not been independently verified. These are completely inert projectile components only—there are no cartridge cases, primers or powder.
◆ CONDITION
All three projectiles remain present and attached. The handmade suspension loop is also present. The piece shows honest handling wear, oxidation, aged solder and natural green verdigris around portions of the joints. It has not been cleaned or restored by me.
🔍 Please study all photographs closely, particularly the low-angle views showing the true two-coin construction, individual reeded edges and hand-soldered workmanship.
An unusually evocative combination of Imperial Russian coinage, probable WWI Eastern Front history and handmade trench-art craftsmanship. Whether originally carried as a good-luck talisman, worn as a pendant or sent home as a sweetheart keepsake, it has survived as a fascinating and highly personal artifact from another era.
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Thanks for your interest!
Kind regards,
Perry
