Souvenir cake fork in original packaging : Australian War Memorial

Silver plated cake fork made from a German 7.92mm bullet. The headstamp of the cartridge reads: 'S 3 18 S67', and the letters 'E P N S' are stamped into the underside of the fork. The original brown paper packaging is in good condition, and the descriptive text printed upon it is clearly legible. Due to the width of the fork, this packaging is larger than that found with other utensils produced in this range. The text on the front of the envelope reads: 'This is to certify that the German rifle cartridge enclosed in this envelope was found in an enemy position captured by the A.I.F. in France where the Australians were engaged in 1916-18. It is one of a small number which, having been found to be surplus to exhibition requirements are being converted into mementos by the War Memorial with the object of providing employment for returned soldiers who are engaged in connexion with their conversion, plating and distribution. The memento enclosed has been solid silver plated. J.L. TRELOAR, Director, Australian War Memorial.' The text on the back of the envelope describes the characteristics and markings of German cartridges.

One of a series of utensils produced by the Australian War Memorial during the 1920s for sale as souvenirs. It was made from a 7.92mm Mauser S67 bullet manufactured in March 1918 by Koenigliche Munitionsfabrik of Spandau.