WWI French Soldier Portrait Aluminum Trench Art Pendant – "Souvenir de l'Armée d'Orient"

This evocative World War I French portrait pendant was handcrafted from trimmed and shaped aluminum and contains the photographic portrait of a French soldier in uniform. The reverse is carefully hand-inscribed "Souvenir de l'Armée d'Orient," translating to "Souvenir of the Army of the Orient," referring to the French expeditionary force that served in the Balkans and Salonika campaign during World War I.

Unlike many trench art souvenirs, this example preserves both its original soldier's photograph and its personalized inscription, making it an especially desirable example of wartime remembrance and military folk art. The serrated aluminum bezel and integral suspension loop are entirely hand formed, demonstrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship associated with authentic trench art.

Measures approximately 1½ inches (38 mm) in diameter.

Condition

Very good antique condition with expected age-related wear. The photograph remains well preserved with light age toning. The aluminum frame retains its original hand-formed suspension loop, and the reverse inscription remains legible. Please review all photographs as they form part of the description.