WWI French Commemorative Inkstand

This is a World War I commemorative inkstand, a sculptural souvenir honoring a French infantry regiment.

• Material: The inkstand is cast from spelter, a zinc-based metal that was frequently used for decorative and sculptural items in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Central Feature: The main component is a bust of a French “Poilu” (WWI soldier). The bust shows the soldier from the shoulders up.
• Inkwell and Helmet: The soldier’s iconic helmet is hinged at the back, allowing the entire top section to be opened to reveal the inkwell insert.
• Rifle: A replica of a military rifle, which appears to be a Lebel Model 1886, is cast as a separate element on the base of the inkstand, positioned behind the soldier’s bust. This was the standard-issue rifle for the French Army during World War I. Its key identifying features—the bolt action, the long barrel, and the distinct shape of the stock and sights—are all present.
• Plaque: A plaque is affixed to the rear, bearing the inscription “Snir du 121e d’Infanterie,” which is a French abbreviation for “Souvenir of the 121st Infantry.” The 121st Infantry Regiment was a unit of the French Army that saw significant combat in World War I, including actions at Verdun and on the Somme.

This piece is a compelling example of a French post-WWI souvenir, likely created in the 1920s to honor the service and sacrifice of the 121st Infantry Regiment.

Pictures added of a second inkstand for a tank regiment using the same base:

French Inkstand – 507e Régiment de Chars de Combat – Tank

Cast spelter with patinated bronze finish, modeled with a stylized cubist-influenced Poilu bust whose hinged Adrian helmet opens to an inkwell (missing insert). Surmounted on a stepped plinth by an accurately detailed Renault FT light tank and laurel relief trim. Affixed brass plaque reads “Souvenir du 507e R.C.C.” Signed L. Malespina on the plinth; underside marked RICHER PARIS, DÉPOSÉ – MADE IN FRANCE. France, circa 1920–1930.

Overview

• Artistic Style: The sculpted face shows distinct Art Deco / Cubist geometric faceting, typical of 1920s French decorative bronze and spelter work rather than wartime trench art.
• Insignia Detail: The soldier’s Adrian helmet features the specific embossed medallion of the French Tank Corps (Artillerie Spéciale / Chars de Combat), showing a medieval knight’s helmet superimposed over crossed cannon barrels.

Historical Context

• The Tank (Renault FT):
  • Identity: French Renault FT (often called the FT-17) light tank.
  • Significance: Designed by Louis Renault and introduced in 1917, it is recognized as the world’s first modern tank design, establishing the standard layout still used today: fully rotating turret on top, crew compartment in front, and engine in the rear.
• The Plaque & Regiment (507e R.C.C.):
  • Designation: 507e Régiment de Chars de Combat (507th Combat Tank Regiment).
  • History: Created towards the end of WWI (1918) as armored units were formalized out of the Artillerie Spéciale. Based primarily in Metz during the interwar period.
  • Famous Connection: Colonel Charles de Gaulle served as the commanding officer of the 507e RCC from 1937 to 1939 before the outbreak of World War II.
• The Sculptor (L. Malespina):
  • Identity: Louis Malespina, a French sculptor and medalist active during the early-to-mid 20th century.
  • Work: Known for military subjects, commemorative busts, desk accessories, and automotive radiator mascots (bouchons de radiateur) from the 1920s and 1930s.
• The Manufacturer (Richer Paris):
  • Identity: A Parisian foundry and art editor specializing in decorative cast spelter (régule) and bronze goods, desk pieces, and commemorative souvenirs.
  • Markings: Déposé indicates a registered copyright/design patent under French law, while Made in France reflects standard export and manufacturing stamping of the interwar era.