Code: 56740
An evocative WW1 artefact from the iconic Ypres Cloth Hall souvenired by a soldier in 1917.
The Cloth Hall at Ypres in Belgium was a famous large medieval building that was almost completely destroyed by artillery fire during WW1. Ypres was the scene of virtually constant fighting during the First World War as it was a strategically important town. The ruins of the Cloth Hall hence became a well known landmark for any soldiers in the vicinity and they appear in countless period photographs and paintings.
This souvenired piece of oak measures 215 x 95 x 45mm and appears to come from one of the Cloth Hall’s ruined beams. There is a small amount of woodworm which have treated to be safe however it does seem the woodworm damage was actually already present in the medieval beam when this piece was salvaged.
The souveniring soldier has carved the date 1917 into the wood. This is significant as that is the year of the notorious meat grinder Third Battle of Ypres, better known as deadly “Passchendaele”. The British, Canadians, and Australians all fought heavily at Third Ypres in 1917.
A rare artefact from an iconic WW1 building.
