Curiosity, Mémento Mori - Father Cent In The Shape Of A Coffin - System Counter - Folk Art

Late 19th century

France

A rare and moving piece of French military folklore, this "Père Cent" is made in the form of a carefully crafted miniature wooden coffin.

The main face is adorned with a skull and crossbones surmounting two crossed shins, a traditional motif recalling the brevity of time and the soldier's expectation of liberation. A small glass window reveals the number of days remaining before the "keel", here stopped at the number 69.

The object opens thanks to a door mounted on hinges. The interior retains its original mechanism consisting of a numbered ribbon running from 100 to 0. This example features a manual system for advancing the counter day by day.

Father Hundred occupied an important place in the lives of conscripts. Each passing day brought the soldier closer to his release, and the ritual of advancing the counter was a true symbol of hope. These objects were often made in barracks or during periods of service by soldiers with a certain talent for woodworking.

The coffin shape, combined with the skull and crossbones, humorously conveys the state of mind of conscripts faced with the length of military service. It perfectly illustrates the spirit of popular barracks creations, where irony, patience and craftsmanship combine to give birth to deeply human objects.

Nice condition with wear and patina consistent with its age. Mechanism preserved.

Dimensions:

Height: 19 cm

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