WW1 British BEF Crown and Anchor Dice Pair

The WW1 British BEF Crown and Anchor Dice Pair is a set of two dice historically associated with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) during the First World War. Crown and Anchor is a traditional gambling game played by British servicemen, particularly during downtime in the trenches and camps. Each die in this pair is marked on its faces with symbols from the Crown and Anchor game: the crown, anchor, heart, diamond, club, and spade—rather than standard numbering. These markings correspond to the playing mat used for wagering. Typically, such dice were crafted from robust materials suitable for field use, such as bone or wood. Items like this set provide insight into the daily lives and recreational activities of soldiers during the First World War, reflecting the ways servicemen found diversion amid the hardships of military service. The dice represent a tangible link to the social and cultural aspects of wartime life.