British 2-Inch Mortar Tail Fin Trench Art Lighter

British 2-inch mortar tail fin lighter, a novelty or trench-art-style item manufactured from the tail assembly of a deactivated British 2-inch mortar round associated with the British Army. Items of this type were commonly produced from surplus military materials following the Second World War and during the post-war period.

The lighter incorporates the distinctive finned tail section of the British 2-inch mortar bomb, adapted to house a petrol-and-wick lighter mechanism within the body. The fin assembly remains clearly recognisable, reflecting the original military component from which the piece was constructed. The “13 (Broad Arrow)” marking remains towards the base of the stem.

The British 2-inch mortar was introduced in the late 1930s and saw extensive service throughout World War II and subsequent conflicts. Tail fin assemblies were designed to stabilise the mortar bomb in flight and became a common source material for souvenir and trench-art conversions once rendered inert.

Lighters produced from deactivated ordnance components became popular among servicemen and collectors, combining practical use with military memorabilia appeal. Examples such as this are collected for their connection to wartime field equipment and post-war souvenir craftsmanship.

Manufactured from metal mortar components with an integrated lighter mechanism, this example represents a distinctive piece of British military-related trench art and collectable field memorabilia.

Dimensions
Approx. 13.5cm height

Condition
Good overall condition, with age-related wear and surface marks consistent with handling and display use. Fin assembly remains structurally sound. The lighter mechanism’s condition and working order are untested. No major damage or repairs are evident.