World War I Tank Inkwell

A WWI die-cast figural inkwell in the shape of a Renault FT17 tank. The turret is hinged, covering the inkpot (missing). Metal placard in the front shows “Camp de la Courtine”.

We added a second example of this French World War I commemorative inkwell modeled after the historic Renault FT (often referred to as the FT-17).

Description

• Form & Design: Cast metal figural desk inkwell shaped as a Renault FT light tank. It features remarkable period detail, including raised riveted armor plates, realistic track and suspension assemblies, and the distinctive triangular rear tail/skid (used on the actual tank to help negotiate and cross wide trench lines).
• Turret & Function: The upper dome-shaped revolving turret—fitted with twin gun barrels (representing the Hotchkiss machine gun or cannon armament)—is hinged at the rear. Flipping the turret backward reveals a hollow circular cavity in the hull designed to hold a small ceramic or glass insert (now missing).
• Finish: Silvered or brass-flatted patinated metal finish over a spelter/white metal or cast alloy base.

Tank Model Identification

• Tank Type: Renault FT (French Light Tank).
• Historical Significance: Developed by Louis Renault and French officer Jean-Baptiste Eugène Estienne in 1916–1917, the Renault FT is widely regarded as the world’s first modern tank. It introduced the revolutionary layout still used in modern tanks today: a 360-degree fully rotating turret on top, the crew/driver compartment in the front, and the engine in the rear.

Manufacturer & Production Details

• Manufacturer: Marked “R.R.” on the underside. “R.R.” represents a French maker or foundry specializing in metal desk novelties and patriotic souvenirs of the Great War era.
• Markings:
  • “Made in France”: Indicates export or post-war commercial production destined for English-speaking markets (such as US or UK veterans and collectors).
  • “Déposé”: Short for Marque Déposée (French for “Registered Design” / “Trademarked”).
• Date of Manufacture: Circa 1918–1925. These pieces were produced right around the end of WWI and into the early interwar period as commemorative victory souvenirs, desk novelties, and military memorabilia.