Austria-Hungary, Empire. A Skoda M 30.5 Cm Howitzer Model

A well-preserved and extremely-detailed model of a Skoda 30.5 cm howitzer, constructed of magnetic blackened iron. It consists of a scale model of the gun with a swivel mechanism allowing the barrel to be raised and lowered with a functional side wheel. An additional rotating side bar moves the base of the gun, allowing it to be fully rotated. The exceptional attention to detail includes a removable barrel insert, fitting into a slot on the base when not in use. The gun rests on top of an iron pedestal bearing an engraved inscription of “ERINNERUNG AN DEN WELTKRIEG” (“MEMENTO OF THE WORLD WAR”) with a date of “1914. The base retains a green felt lining to mitigate the risk of surface scratching. Unmarked, the model measures 105 mm (w) x 150 mm (l) at the base. Age-appropriate oxidation is evident throughout, but it is in an overall better than very fine condition.