This is a piece was bought from a house clearance in Cambrai. This is a very authentic piece with very simple hand "trench" made engraving. It has a design of flowers with a central circle with the letter R combined with either a tool (pick axe) or a small letter r. I think it is likely to be the pick axe and could therefore possibly have been made by a soldier deployed into one of the many tunnelling groups. It is very simple and crude and clearly hand made. The one side has no engraving.
Original patina - please see photographs for overall condition. The top is slightly out of shape with a dent.
It is a German shell marked buy HL - Haniel Luege of Dusseldorf. and dated DEZ (December) 1917.
Height: 22.5 cm, diameter of base: 9cm.
A fantastic collector's piece.
Photographs have been taken in natural light, placed directly at times to highlight the art on the shell, colours may vary depending on light conditions.
Click here to see other items including trench art in our shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/claresvintage .
The majority of my items are vintage and as such bear the marks and scars of their preloved life! I do my best to photograph and describe them as honestly and accurately as possible. If you have any questions however small please contact me. It is important to me that you are happy with your purchase, if you're not, please contact me and we can arrange a refund.
Product code: Trench Art, Army, German Shell, Brass Shell, World War 1, German Shell, Man's Gift, The Great buy War, Tunnelling,