Inkipedia
WWI Pigeon Inkwell
| Categories | Figural - Animals & Living Creatures |
| Type | Military |
| Material | Pot metal |
| Markings | See narrative |
| Manufacturer | Undetermined |
| Origin | France |
| Date or Era | circa 1920 |
| Measuring | 5 ⅜” x 4 ½” x 4” high |
This inkwell depicts a pigeon and a French helmet. The inkwell commemorates the pigeon sent by Colonel Sylvain E. Raynal from Fort Vaux during the Battle of Verdun. After having several messenger pigeons shot down by the Germans who were holding a siege outside the fort, Raynal sent out his last pigeon with a message that ended in “C’est mon dernier pigeon” — This is my last pigeon. The pigeon completed its mission and after the battle received a commendation from the French military.
Below the pigeon on the side nearest the helmet, the following phrase is inscribed:
C’est mon dernier pigeon
On the opposite side of the pigeon the following is inscribed:
VCRCUN CENTRAL 787-15
On the bottom of the inkwell the following is inscribed:
DEPOSE 201
Sold for $299 in August 2024
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