Trench art

[Captain Black]

Gday all, was given this by an old bloke at work the other day and was wondering if anyone could give me a rough age? I did a bit of a search but couldn't find when these buttons were used. Thanks in advance for any help

Cheers Brad

[2/31st]

GDay Brad,
These buttons were worn on the Australian Uniform during the First and Second World Wars.
So unless you can date the bullet,it could be either.

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/REL37605

Cheers Mick

[Captain Black]

Thanks for that Mick! There are no other markings on it mate so it looks like I'm no chance of dating the bullet.

[Dave Alexander]

What was this object used for ?

[aeroraider]

Identification

I believe this object is the handle of a letter opener. The blade is missing, but you can see the slot in the bullet head where the blade once attached. It is likely World War One vintage, as most of them that I have run across are from World War One. The only way to know for certain would be to unsolder the button to see the date marking on the casing.

[2/31st]

Yes they are Letter Openers,however i have heard them called Butter Knives too.
I have a 1943 dated one.
Cheers Mick

[Captain Black]

Interesting stuff, I wondered why the end was like that - never thought of it being a knife of sorts. Next time I bump into the bloke I'll ask him if it ever had a blade or anything attached to it. Any chance of a picture of yours Mick?

[2/31st]

Im still not able to post pics on the forum yet,but ill message you and you can post it if you want.
Cheers Mick
ps how do i attach photo to message

[2ndAIF]

It's ww2 vintage... And as previously stated it originally was a letter opener.

These buttons weren't worn in ww1, There were some private purchase buttons the same as these made in England during the period and were used on officers uniforms but this isn't one of them

[2/31st]

Here it is Brad.

[2/31st]

and heres a picture of the slot with blade in place,
although a bit bent.

[Captain Black]

Thanks for the additional information 2nd AIF, you have cleared up the age for me! Thanks also for the photos Mick, interesting blade! I wish mine still looked like that