WW2 North Africa POW Trench Art Aluminium Cigarette Case Map & Mosque c.1940s

Original Second World War North African trench-art cigarette case, hand-made in aluminium and decorated with cut-out enamel panels. The front features a marbled enamel Union Jack field with a raised map of Africa marked "AFRICA", a classic design associated with Italian POWs and local artisans working around British-run camps in Egypt and Libya during 1942-47.

The reverse shows a domed mosque framed by palm trees, set against a sky-filled enamel panel - a distinctive mid-1940s Cairo and Western Desert motif. Inside, the case carries hand-engraved decoration including paired heart motifs and a reclining figure scene, both typical of wartime soldier-souvenir trench-art from the region.

This example came from the same lot as a named 1946 British soldier's campaign-map cigarette case (W. J. Palmer), suggesting it formed part of the same group of personal wartime effects. While the exact maker cannot be confirmed, the construction, motifs and materials match known North African trench-art pieces made by Italian POWs and camp workshop craftsmen during the North African and Mediterranean campaigns.

Highlights:
Genuine WW2 North African trench-art cigarette case (c.1942-47)
Front panel: enamel-backed Union Jack with raised Africa map marked "AFRICA"
Reverse panel: enamel-backed mosque, palm trees and landscape scene
Interior: hand-engraved decoration including heart motifs and reclining figures
Hand-cut aluminium with punch-tool detailing throughout
Provenance: from same lot as a named 1946 soldier's case (W. J. Palmer)
Highly collectible example with strong theatre-specific character

Condition:
Good vintage condition with age-related wear to the aluminium and light marks to the enamel panels. Hinges and closure function correctly. Expected handling wear to the interior from period use. Please review all photographs to assess condition.

Circa:
Approximately 1942-1947, consistent with known examples of North African trench-art cigarette cases produced during and immediately after the Second World War.

Notes:
A well-preserved and highly decorative trench-art piece from the wartime North African theatre. Ideal for collectors of WW2 memorabilia, desert campaign items, POW / trench-art, and vintage tobacciana.