A rare antique WW1 hand painted soldier's prosthetic nose

A rare WW1 hand painted prosthetic nose. 

Many of the soldiers who were wounded during WW1 returned home with severe facial injuries. 

The huge amount of bullet and shrapnel  damaged to the unprotected faces of these soldiers in the trenches was the biggest cause. 

Many of these brave men were unable to  cover their several facial injuries, and so they visited a place known as 'The Tin Noses Shop'. 

Although some soldiers could have healed to some extent it was more the psychological trauma of losing their dignity, along with feeling ostracised by those around them. 

After witnessing the devastating injuries these soldiers suffered, British sculptor Francis Derwent Wood set up the 'Masks for Facial Disfigurement Department at the 3rd London General Hospital.  Which overtime became known as 'The Tin Noses Shop'. 

The amazing work of Wood, would be partnered with the limited work of surgeons at that time. Often surgical procedures would only restore function but not the appearance of the person. Therefore these tin and copper prosthetics were crafted to help restore the man's face and his confidence. 

Once formed in a malleable metal these prosthetics were then hand painted. This was done whilst the patient was wearing to best blend in with the individual's complexion. 

This particular nose is made in tin, with exquisite hand painted finish. 

With small holes which would have allowed it to be tied around the face, alternatively often secured in place with a pair of spectacles. 

Dimensions:-

Widest point - 4cm

Depth - 3.8cm

Height - 5cm 

These do not turn up often and are highly sought after. 

With age related wear, and some small losses to the painted surface. 

With two cracks to the underside running from each nostril. Minor losses around the nostrils. 

Various fixing holes present.