WW1 Carved Bone Serviette

[schio]

I have in my possession a carved bone serviette.  Inscribed on it is the name FRED and the date 1917.  There are also Thistles.  My husband inherited the piece (via his deceased father) from an elderly man in the 1970's.  He told my father in law that he carved it in WW1.  I know little else other than he died in Geelong Victoria Australia between 1970 -1975.  We believe Fred to have been Scottish.  There is another clue.  Also inscribed on the serviette is the name OLD CASTLE.  A google search revealed a castle on a loch in Scotland of the same name.  If anyone can give me further details regarding WW1 soldiers and these carvings I would be very grateful.  I am on a mission to find out more about Fred. Unfortunately all persons with knowledge have passed away.

[Marmalady]

rather than a placename, maybe it was carved by or for a "Fred Oldcastle"

[schio]

I had not considered that.  Will check the Geelong Cemetery now for that Surname.  Thanks

[sheldonesque]

It could also refer to Oldcastle in Northern Ireland, which was the location of an internment camp during WW1 (Fred may have been a guard). There appears to be a shamrock on the bottom right, which may imply an Irish connection.

[schio]

Had no idea about that Internment Camp.  Will research it, many many thanks

[Jebber]

It should more correctly be called a Napkin Ring, a serviette or napkin is what goes in it. I think you will find it is a form of Trench Art, more commonly found in metal, but sometimes in bone or wood.


Jebber