Vase (3) - Brass - Trench Art WW1 WW2
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Set of 3 hand-crafted brass trench art vases in Art Nouveau style dating from 1910–1920, originating in the United Kingdom and repurposed from artillery shells, with overall dimensions 10.3 cm wide, 58.3 cm high and 57.1 cm deep and a total weight of 5.9 kg, in good vintage condition.
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Description from the seller
Focus of the lot: This lot concerns 3 brass shell casings.
Set of 3 Handcrafted 'Trench Art' Vases – WWI & WWII
Magnificent set of two original brass artillery shells that, after firing, were transformed into decorative vases by craftsmen or soldiers (Trench Art). The objects are completely inert, empty and entirely harmless. A unique duo that perfectly illustrates the evolution of artillery and military craftsmanship across two world wars.
Object 1: French Trench Art Vase (World War I – 1916)
Type: Artillery shell converted into a decorative bottle/vase.
Caliber: 75 mm Mle 1897 (The legendary French 75 of Campaign quick-firing cannon).
Origin: France.
Headstamp: 75 DE C (75 mm de Campagne). 4-16 (Manufactured in April 1916, during the Battle of Verdun).
Factory marks including J.E. and E.C.P. (École Centrale de Pyrotechnie).
Characteristics: The fuze cup is deeply struck (percussion). The shell shows characteristic battle marks and an authentic, darker patina that suits the age of well over a century.
2: Allied Trench Art Vase (World War II – 1942)
Type: Artillery shell converted into a corrugated/formed vase.
Caliber: 25-Ponder Mk II (87.5 mm – the standard British and Commonwealth field gun).
Origin: Canada (Manufactured for the Allied forces).
Headstamp: 25 PR II (25-Pounder Mark II). 1942 (Manufacturing year mid-World War II).
CL/C (Produced by the Canadian Motor Lamp Co. Windsor, Canada).
LOT A124 (Batch number of the munition production).
CF (Cordite Full – designation for the complete propellant charge).
Broad Arrow (Arrowsymbol officially marking state ownership).
Characteristics: Beautifully worked shell with a wavy edge finish at the top (canneled brass). Supplied with a clear, golden-brass sheen with light signs of aging and oxidation speckles contributing to the historical look.
3: A heavy and authentic brass artillery shell cartridge case from the legendary British Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76.2 mm) Mark II. This type of anti-tank gun was heavily used during the Second World War, notably on the famous Sherman Firefly tank and the Achilles tank destroyer.
17 PR II: Gun type and model (17-Pounder Mark 2).
1944: Production year mid-World War II.
RL: Produced by the Royal Laboratory (Woolwich Arsenal, London).
LOT 378: Batch production number.
Broad Arrow (^): The iconic British military ownership stamp (War Department).
Condition and auction information
Condition: In good, original vintage condition. Not overly polished, so the historical stamps remain sharp and legible.
Safety: 100% deactivated / released. Only the empty brass shells with already expended primers are present.
Focus of the lot: This lot concerns 3 brass shell casings.
Set of 3 Handcrafted 'Trench Art' Vases – WWI & WWII
Magnificent set of two original brass artillery shells that, after firing, were transformed into decorative vases by craftsmen or soldiers (Trench Art). The objects are completely inert, empty and entirely harmless. A unique duo that perfectly illustrates the evolution of artillery and military craftsmanship across two world wars.
Object 1: French Trench Art Vase (World War I – 1916)
Type: Artillery shell converted into a decorative bottle/vase.
Caliber: 75 mm Mle 1897 (The legendary French 75 of Campaign quick-firing cannon).
Origin: France.
Headstamp: 75 DE C (75 mm de Campagne). 4-16 (Manufactured in April 1916, during the Battle of Verdun).
Factory marks including J.E. and E.C.P. (École Centrale de Pyrotechnie).
Characteristics: The fuze cup is deeply struck (percussion). The shell shows characteristic battle marks and an authentic, darker patina that suits the age of well over a century.
2: Allied Trench Art Vase (World War II – 1942)
Type: Artillery shell converted into a corrugated/formed vase.
Caliber: 25-Ponder Mk II (87.5 mm – the standard British and Commonwealth field gun).
Origin: Canada (Manufactured for the Allied forces).
Headstamp: 25 PR II (25-Pounder Mark II). 1942 (Manufacturing year mid-World War II).
CL/C (Produced by the Canadian Motor Lamp Co. Windsor, Canada).
LOT A124 (Batch number of the munition production).
CF (Cordite Full – designation for the complete propellant charge).
Broad Arrow (Arrowsymbol officially marking state ownership).
Characteristics: Beautifully worked shell with a wavy edge finish at the top (canneled brass). Supplied with a clear, golden-brass sheen with light signs of aging and oxidation speckles contributing to the historical look.
3: A heavy and authentic brass artillery shell cartridge case from the legendary British Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76.2 mm) Mark II. This type of anti-tank gun was heavily used during the Second World War, notably on the famous Sherman Firefly tank and the Achilles tank destroyer.
17 PR II: Gun type and model (17-Pounder Mark 2).
1944: Production year mid-World War II.
RL: Produced by the Royal Laboratory (Woolwich Arsenal, London).
LOT 378: Batch production number.
Broad Arrow (^): The iconic British military ownership stamp (War Department).
Condition and auction information
Condition: In good, original vintage condition. Not overly polished, so the historical stamps remain sharp and legible.
Safety: 100% deactivated / released. Only the empty brass shells with already expended primers are present.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
5900 g
Title additional information
Trench Art WW1 WW2
Number of objects
3
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Material
Brass
Style
Art Nouveau
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
58.3 cm
Width
10.3 cm
Depth
57.1 cm
Estimated period
1910-1920
