KalKat

I would wonder just how much of the railings would still be there by the end? Emma

Now you're cooking with charcoal..... Emma

Possibly make up a cone of metalised/chromed plastic then shine a high intensity LED at the point perhaps? Emma

Cut them in half and use a jam jar Emma

Possibly "Belle epoch(e)"? You might also have some joy looking at the works of the impressionists Emma

I found that site too ;-) I have in some of my historical motor racing books evidence of Dubonet, Pernod, Puegot et Fils (bicycles then cars) as well as simple 'Cafe XXXX' These are generally post WW1, but I would see no reason why they shouldn't have been around before then..... Emma

You'could' add shrapnel damage................ Emma

Excellent! I'm glad you found the link useful Emma

Useful pics here http://www.flickr.com/photos/nlscotland/4700170080/ such as .... http://www.flickr.com/photos/nlscotland/4699941880/in/photostream/ Emma

If vacated in a hurry the furniture would have been left and may well have succumbed to the flame in winter. Generally I would have thought loose structural material would have gone first, as chairs are much nicer than mudddy ammo cases to sit on. If the house was in a suitable position, parts could be cobbled up to serve as offices/ communications, stores or simply shelter with the use of tarpaulins. In that case furniture could get reused. Given supply issues there were many odd structures assembled from the ruination - make do and mend was a very real thing then! Emma

Demolition (usually by explosive charge) would probably have blown out the lower walls allowing the whole thing to collapse. That damage looks far more like shellfire. Seeing as the battles raged backwards and forwards over much of the front, it wouldn't be unusual for areas to have exchanged hands several times and often structures were left alone as you never knew when you'd need to shelter/take cover in it. The few remaining structures also formed landmarks in a sea of.... well mud really, often giving rise to odd place names like "Dead Cow Farm" Emma

You could try http://www.geog.sussex.ac.uk/grc/info/airphotos-historic/ there seems to be photo coverage from the 40's - search 'Balcombe'. You'll have to push the map around a bit to cover the station. Emma