Posted 12 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
This is an aluminum trench art bracelet that is a souvenir of "Bouganville". It was made for (possibly by) an aviation radioman in the US Navy. His initials "H.A.Z" along with the date of "1-12-44" are engraved on the bracelet.
The US fight for Bouganville began in late 1943, with US forces never taking complete control of the island. US forces constructed airfields near the beachhead to provide air support. In late 1944, the ground fight was passed on to the Australians.
This bracelet is made out of aircraft aluminum. I have seen bracelets identified as being made of Japanese aircraft-- this one has no ID.
I have many other trench art pieces posted, to include several other aluminum bracelets.
Scott
Thanks hunter-- when you have time, take a look at my other postings for several other trench art items to include aircraft aluminum bracelets.
Scott
Hi Scott! Just a question about the date.
An American (at that time) would read "1-12-44" as:
January 12 or December 1st?
Good question vetraio: January 12th is the American way of reading.
I believe in Europe, it would be read as DEC 1st.
Scott
Thanks bellin-- my youngest daughter has worn this/ others from my collection to school a few times!
Scott
She still shows a lot of interest in antiques/ collectibles, so she gets regularly rewarded!
Scott
bellin-- I saw that you were out at the thrift stores today. Any new treasures?
Thanks for looking stepback.
Scott
I really love all your trench artwork pieces Scott! They remind me (and probably influenced) these rebel youth subcultures in Europe during the years after the war. Check out some of their crazy handmade jewelry here: http://lalettredelaphotographie.com/fullscreen/1403
Thanks for looking at my other trench art items-- the hand worked details and overall workmanship has always impressed me!
Scott
Thanks tlmbaran.
Scott
Thanks AmberRose.
Scott
Thanks for posting this, my dad was on Bougainville. ... Americal Division, 132nd Infantry, Company K, Weapons Platoon.
Thanks for looking Bootson-- I believe that I have some other 23rd Division locations on trench art as well!
I am pretty sure that I have a "New Caledonia" bracelet posted!
Scott
Bootson,
Here is a Guadalcanal piece that may be of interest to you. I would think your father saw the scene depicted many times:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/48922-trench-art-framed-sketch-with-japanese-a?in=user
Thanks for looking tom.
Scott
Thanks for looking battlegear!
scott