Original Items: Only One Lot of 4 Available. Here we have a lovely lot of four WWI Trench Art Brass Shell Casings, which really show the wide variety of different shapes and purposes that these could be turned into. The shells here still retain their markings on the base, and two of four exhibit clear WWI dates. This lot consists of three uniquely decorated and crafted shells, consisting of:

- U.S. WWI 75mm Shell casing decorated with what looks to be ivy or possibly an oak branch. One side has a clear U S marking over a cross pattée representing the German Iron Cross. There is a lot of hammer work with probably a punch over much of the exterior. The base is marked with 75 M/M G and lot numbers, but there is no clear date we can see. We assume this was intended as some type of vase, and is approximately 13 3/4" tall.

- U.S. WWI 75mm Shell casing which has had the bottom half pressed in so that it has 6 flutes, which also narrows the overall width a bit. We have seen this on many other trench art shell casings from the period. The top has some lovely ivy leaves on a vine, with a punched brass background. The top has has had a saw tooth motif added to the edge of the casing. The bottom is marked 75 DE C along with some lot number markings. We assume this was intended as some type of vase, and is approximately 13 5/8" tall.

- British WWI QF 18-pounder Shell casing, which has been turned into a two handled vase. The top of the shell has been cut down and then areas cut out to give a lovely perforated design. The handles are sheet steel, probably made from the top of the shell. The bottom is marked 18 PR / II, and has a clear 1915 date. There are also various proof marks visible. Measures approximately 8 3/8" tall.

- German WWI 10.5 cm Feldhaubitze 98/09 Shell Casing, which looks to have been turned into possibly an ash tray, or maybe a candy bowl. The top edge of the casing has been fluted to give it a nice scalloped edge, and some brass "paws" were installed on the bottom, held in place by steel screws. The bottom of the casing bears the full maker information from PATRONENFABRIK KARLSRUHE along with a date of DEZ. 1915. There are the correct proof marks as well as the Sp255 inspection stamp, correct for this maker. Measures approximately 4 1/4 tall.

A great set showing shells from both sides of "The Great War"!. All examples are lovely and ready to be polished (if so desired) and displayed!

Trench art is any decorative item made by soldiers, prisoners of war, or civilians where the manufacture is directly linked to armed conflict or its consequences. It offers an insight not only to their feelings and emotions about the war, but also their surroundings and the materials they had available to them.

Not limited to the World Wars, the history of trench art spans conflicts from the Napoleonic Wars to the present day. Although the practice flourished during World War I, the term 'trench art' is also used to describe souvenirs manufactured by service personnel during World War II. Some items manufactured by soldiers, prisoners of war or civilians during earlier conflicts have been retrospectively described as trench art.

All items are completely inert and are in compliance with the current BATF standards on inert ordnance.