This collection of trench art comprises several brass artillery shell casings converted into decorative and functional objects, dating from the First and Second World Wars. The collection includes a German shell case with embossed decoration featuring a five-petalled flower and leaves set against a stippled background. The base is stamped with the manufacturer name POLTE, the date APRIL 1916, and the mark SP252. Also present is a British 13-pounder shell case modified into a trophy vase with two scrolled brass wire handles and an applied white metal heraldic badge depicting the Three Lions of England. The base of this vessel is marked 13 PR II, 1916, and includes a British military broad arrow, while the central primer is marked R.A.F. and dated 6/16. The collection further contains a pair of French artillery shell cases dating from 1917, one of which displays faint stippled engraving spelling YPRES within an oval decorative border. The bases of these items bear the date 1917 and manufacturer marks including FN and MAI. Additionally, there is a smaller British shell case fashioned into a mug or measure with a curved wire handle, the base of which is stamped with a broad arrow and the date 1940, alongside marks 95 DCT and L.M. II. A modern collector’s tag is included, inscribed 1916/1917 DATED TRENCH ART. TO MOTHER FROM TOM.
Share this lot:
