A wooden Great War Mark IV series tank, this style of model is known as Trench Art. They were made by soldiers rather than craftsmen, as a means of "passing the time" while serving in the war. Naive in style, but well observed, models like this one would have been made from materials that soldiers would have found – ammo boxes, scrap wood, metal, etcirca – and this model is detailed with rivets, caterpillar tracks, and guns, all made from found materials. Dating to between 1917 and 1920, this is the largest one that we have ever seen. There is a flap at the back which opens to reveal a void compartment, indicating its use as a desk compendium. English, circa 1918.

Length: 17 in. (43 cm). Height: 9 in. (23 cm).