Rare World War 1 Battlefield Grave Marker
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These poignant wooden crosses would have been fashioned quickly on or near the battlefield to mark the temporary resting places of fallen soldiers during the First World War, allowing graves to be identified and recorded before more permanent memorials could be established.
They were constructed from whatever timber was available at the time, such as ammunition crates, rifle boxes, or other military packing cases, which explains their simple, utilitarian form and naive construction. Silver and red paint can still be seen within the age related wear and patina of this example.
When a soldier’s identity was known, the temporary grave marker was often inscribed with identifying information, typically a surname, initials, service number, regiment, or a combination of these. However, these battlefield markers were usually made quickly and under difficult conditions, so the amount of information varied greatly.
If the soldier could not be identified, the marker was left blank or marked with something like “Unknown British Soldier,” “Unknown Soldier,” or similar wording. In some cases, only an initial or a rough inscription was added.
I have two of these markers in stock currently which I am selling separately. I’m told they were originally sourced in France and, until recently, had formed part of a private collection of First World War memorabilia.
Condition is decent, commensurate with age, use and construction. Structurally sound.
Measures 51 cm in length.
Weighs 86.12 grams
