Depth: 8cm or 3.1″
Crafted from original World War I French 75mm artillery shell casings. Transformed by hand likely by a soldier or artisan shortly after the war they feature embossed thistle and berry motif, and beautifully worked patinated brass highlighted by a mottled hand hammered background.
Decorated shell cases are perhaps the most classic type of trench art. The design would have been taken from a stencil. It would then be transferred to the shell case using iodine. A bent nail would then be used to engrave the design into the metal. This style is normally attributed to the battle field areas around Verdun.
Each vase is made from a French 75mm artillery shell casing, stamped with clear wartime markings:
One casing is marked 75 DEC PDPs 133 L 16
The second is marked 75 DEC PDPs 707 L 17 P
These casings were repurposed and decorated with remarkable craftsmanship, showing the artistic expression that emerged from the destruction of war, referred to as “trench art.”
Excellent vintage condition with patina. Slight irregularities and surface marks are consistent with the material’s age and history.
These are perfect for a collector of military items or pieces for lovers of military history.
75 DEC = 75 field rifle.
PDPs = cartridge case manufacturer, Pinchard Denys Paris.
153rd Lot of 1916.
R – brass supplier – Wire drawing and rolling mills of Le Hâvre – Rugles factory.
DB = brass supplier and cartridge case manufacturer
