Ste. Barbe patron saint fob - WW1 Doughboy bring-back?

[speeder3]

I picked up this item in an antique store today.  I believe it is a watch fob, and am wondering if it would have been a Doughboy's bring-back item?  The obverse shows Ste. Barbe with a flaming bomb and the saying:  "Sainte Barbe avec elle tu vaincras" (Saint Barbara : with her, you will win).  The reverse saying is:  "PATRONNE ? POUR LE SALUT DE L'HUMANITE, DEFENDEZ LA FRANCE ET SES ALLIES DE 1914 - 15 - 16 -" (patron saint, for the salvation of humanity, defend France and its allies).  At the top of the reverse it is marked for the Somme, 1916.  The small emblem midway up the chain is a crown over a scene with sailing ships and "PARIS" across the center.  I have never seen anything like this, and the all-knowing googlepedia only brings up one hit, a Worthpoint page showing a similar item, not marked for any specific battle, and without the chain and clasp.

 

I'd sure love to know more about this item.

 

Moderators, if this is not appropriate for the forum please delete.

[Brian Keith]

I think you have pretty much nailed it, a wartime souvenir, likely brought home by a US soldier. Very nice item. That center piece may be the crest of the city of Paris.

Thanks for posting it.

BKW

 

[norwegian blue]

Hello

sainte barbe is the patron of all French artillery men, it is also the name of the powder magazines on navy ships. Hence the flaming bomb the figure is holding on one side and the howitzer on the other

That kind of trinket was probably sold in cities where arty units were garrisoned circa WW1

[solcarlus]

36 minutes ago, norwegian blue said:

Hello

sainte barbe is the patron of all French artillery men, it is also the name of the powder magazines on navy ships. Hence the flaming bomb the figure is holding on one side and the howitzer on the other

That kind of trinket was probably sold in cities where arty units were garrisoned circa WW1

Bonjour.

Patronne aussi du Génie, sapeurs pompiers et artificiers. 

 

Patroness also of the Engineers, firefighters and fireworks.

[speeder3]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies!  I think it will display nicely with a small French phrase book for Doughboys that I have.