Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic trench art desk top model tank from WWII, which we believe is Hungarian in origin. It definitely looks to be hand made from iron or steel, and then was nickel plated and attached to a wooden base. We were not able to identify any specific model of tank, which is not uncommon due to the lack of having a tank to actually look at over a long period when making pieces such as this. The front of the wooden base is marked with 1939. Mikulás, which is the Hungarian version of "Nicholas" that is only used to specifically refer to St. Nicholas / Santa Claus. We assume this was made to give as a gift for Christmas 1939.

The model tank came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser's donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer, Director, and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this model tank was acquired.

It comes with the original museum tag, which reads:

To. 14. 579

1939 dated, Hungarian Army, "1939 Mikula's",
unidentified model Tank, desk ornament
(* Translation: "1939 St. Nicholas / Christmas")

A lovely bit of trench art from WWII, ready to display!

Measures:
Base: 5 1/2"L x 3 1/2"W
Tank: 3 3/4"L x 2 1/4"W x 1 7/8"H