| Place | Africa: Egypt |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL23467 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Celluloid, Wood |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Egypt |
| Date made | c 1915 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Souvenir crocodile pencil holder and letter opener : Miss F Oppatt
Description
Novelty souvenir pencil holder and letter opener in the form of a crocodile. The brown celluloid crocodile has a textured body with a smooth, slightly curved tail forming the letter opener. Written on the tail is 'To Flo from Roby OAS. EGYPT MAY 27Th 1915'. Written on the underside of the tail is 'Dina Forget YOURS ROBY'. The mouth of the crocodile forms the pencil holder. Attached to the end of the pencil is a black painted man's head with red lips and white eyes which, when inserted into the crocodile's mouth, gives the appearence that the man is being eaten by the crocodile.
History / Summary
This souvenir crocodile pencil holder and letter opener was sent to Miss Florence 'Flo' Oppatt by her friend 877 Private Stanley Robinson. Robinson, a 30 year old bushman, enlisted for service in the AIF on 30 December 1914 and sailed for Egypt aboard HMAT Port Lincoln on 1 April 1915. He served with 3 Light Horse Regiment on Gallipoli and in Palestine. Robinson returned to Australia aboard HMAT Orari on 15 May 1919.