WWI Wartime Trench Art-This is a brass shell that measures 11 inches (27.94 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.62cm) in diameter. It has an etching on the face of it, that shows a young woman sitting by a brook reading a letter. Behind the bushes you can see what must be either her soldier boyfriend (or a peeping Tom) watching her read the letter, which we suppose is from him. The bottom of the image shows the name Marcelle in a scroll. The artist did a very good job making a textured background for the shell itself. The detail of the girl, soldier, brook, rocks and trees are nicely done. She has a great looking Princess Leia hair style! This is a very interesting piece of trench art.
History: Trench art is a term used to describe objects made from the debris bi-products of war. It is commonly associated with the World War One, although we see trench art from other conflicts as well. During world wars, the French and Belgium’s started the trench art craze, but when the American’s entered the war, they used their metal work skills to make some amazing things as well. Most trench art was made by servicemen while they passed the time, when not in the front line. Much of it was simple and amateurish, we have seen planes made out of shrapnel, carved walking stick from wood and other material. Some are quite professional as though they may have access to a machine shop or something. Prisoners of war, faced with a constant battle against boredom, produced similar items. Each piece tells an interesting story!