Inscribed Cigarette Case - Probably 2/10th Liverpool Scottish 1918

A cigarette case inscribed with the insignia of the 57th Division (a stirrup in the top left hand corner) and the Liverpool Scottish Regimental badge. the initials E.B.W appear above the stirrup together with the motto 'Comme Je Trouve' ('As I Find') which is ascribed to a branch of the Butler family. On the back is an heraldic crest of a horse statant (standing) engraved to indicate that it should be drawn in gold with the motto 'Beneficii Memor'. This also belongs to a Butler family, albeit a different Butler family. The weight of the case is just under nine ounces which makes it quite a solid item compared with a case that might be used in civilian life. It has been described as 'the sort of thing that would stop a bullet' and it was certainly made in a robust way, presumably to withstand the rigours of active service. It is hallmarked Bimingham 1918. An old penny (1d) is shown for scale.

The 57th Division was the second line division corresponding to the first line 55th (West Lancashire) Division. The 57th Division, with 2/10th (Scottish) Battalion The King's (Liverpool Regiment), moved to France and Belgium from the UK in early 1917. As a result of changes in the organisation of divisions, it was merged with the 1/10th Liverpool Scottish (as the 1st Battalion was generally known) in April 1918 when its men moved from the 57th to the 55th Division.

This item is in a private collection to which the Museum has access