Unusual handmade 1939 New York World’s Fair cartridge-case folk art piece featuring an applied anchor and repurposed World’s Fair souvenir metalwork.
The brass body appears to be an empty spent cartridge case that was transformed into a decorative souvenir or folk-art object. Wrapped around the center is a separate thin metal World’s Fair piece with raised lettering including “WORLD’S FAIR” and “1939.” The souvenir element appears to have been physically bent or formed around the cartridge case rather than originally manufactured as part of it.
A separate raised anchor ornament is applied above the World’s Fair decoration, giving the piece a strong nautical appearance.
The completed object appears to be individually handmade rather than a factory-issued World’s Fair souvenir. Extensive research has not located another identical finished example.
The exact original badge, token or medalet incorporated into the piece has not been conclusively identified, so this listing does not claim that the complete assembled object was officially produced or sold by the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
Approximate Measurements
- Length: approx. 2 1/4–2 3/8 in
- Small handheld size
- Brass cartridge-case New York World’s Fair souvenir element
- Brass cartridge case
- Applied anchor decoration
- Handmade / folk-art construction
- Nautical theme
- Original aged patina
- One-of-a-kind appearance
- No modern restoration or polishing performed
This would make a fascinating addition to a 1939 New York World’s Fair collection, antique folk-art collection, cartridge-art collection, nautical collection or historical memorabilia display.
Please note: This is an empty/inert decorative cartridge-case collectible. No live ammunition, projectile, powder or functional ammunition is included.
Photos are part of the description and show the actual item you will receive.
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