WWI Wartime Trench Art-This is a brass shell that measures 13 ½ inches (34.29cm) high and 3 inches (7.62cm) in diameter (at the top). The image on this trench art is two soldiers shaking hands, at the bottom is the etched script “Put her there Jack”. Over the heads of the soldiers, it says “WORLD WAR”. There is also a stylized image of a woman holding a flower. The center part of this shell has a handsome hammered brass background. The base of this shell has been crimped or transformed to give it a very interesting flower petal type style. The bottom of this shell is very well marked. This is an interesting example!
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!