Gebirgsjäger Cigarette Case 1942 Trench Art

This is a Trench Art of WWII that I am fortunate to obtain.

This Gebirgsjäger Cigarette Case was made by a Mess Tin M31 (Kochgeschirr Modell 1931).

The construction is robust and in 1mm aluminum plate from the mess tin.

The Edelweiss patch is an extra piece of 1mm aluminum secure by two rivets ans sand smooth.

At the top of the patch should be an intimal letter PI or PV.

At the back carved Mount Elbrus 1942 and the silhouette of the the peak of the mountain with a Nazi War Flag. Which should be the memory of the Battle of the Caucasus on July 1942 and from the images of propaganda photos and films.

More information can be find from this links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih_oxs63ugc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwL0b6AKnKs

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When opened the box there are Symboles which I am unable to read, my friend said its Russian letter the first one is U….

Always welcome anyone can interpret this letters/Symboles.

Its became more interesting as indicated that this box had been captured by a Russian soldier around 1943 or later and added his signature on it.

Inside the bottom box remain of the original paint of the mess tin is still intact.

Also clearly shown the oval shape of the hinges base and two holes had been filled by rivets and sand smooth.

The press line with paint can be clearly seen on top of the painted part.