Vase (3) - Brass - Antwerpen Trench Art WW2





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Set of three brass WW2 artillery shell vases from the early 1940s, with a central Antwerp trench art shell featuring a detailed copper-brass shield and two lion head handles, overall dimensions 12 cm wide, 29.5 cm high and 29 cm deep, origin United Kingdom, in good used condition with minor signs of aging.
Description from the seller
Set of 3 brass artillery shells (WW2) – Including unique Trench Art / Trenches Art 'Antwerpen' shell
The Showpiece: Unique 'Antwerpen' Trench Art Shell (Middle)
The middle shell is a beautiful and rare example of high-quality trench art.
Decoration: The front features a detailed mounted copper/brass shield with the historical coat of arms of the city of Antwerp (the fortress with the two clasped hands above). Above the coat of arms is the text 'ANTWERP' in a decorative relief.
Handles: Unique to this shell are the two beautifully cast lion heads with rings on the sides, giving the shell the allure of a ceremonial vase or display piece.
Historical context: The underside reveals a fascinating military history; this shell is an early WW2 production for a British 18-Pounder Mark II field gun (stamped 18 Pr II). This type of artillery originated in the First World War, but was actively used by the British at the start of the Second World War (1939-1940) in the defense of Belgium and France.
The Flanking Shells (Left & Right)
The two remaining shells flank the middle piece perfectly and have retained their tight, industrial military look. The undersides bear clear, deeply struck military inspection stamps:
Left shell: Dated 1942, with various factory and inspection markings.
Right shell:
Dated 1940, featuring the recognizable British military ownership mark, the Broad Arrow (↑), and the designation CF (Cordite Full).
A splendid ensemble for militaria collectors, WW2 history enthusiasts, or lovers of Antwerp city history.
Set of 3 brass artillery shells (WW2) – Including unique Trench Art / Trenches Art 'Antwerpen' shell
The Showpiece: Unique 'Antwerpen' Trench Art Shell (Middle)
The middle shell is a beautiful and rare example of high-quality trench art.
Decoration: The front features a detailed mounted copper/brass shield with the historical coat of arms of the city of Antwerp (the fortress with the two clasped hands above). Above the coat of arms is the text 'ANTWERP' in a decorative relief.
Handles: Unique to this shell are the two beautifully cast lion heads with rings on the sides, giving the shell the allure of a ceremonial vase or display piece.
Historical context: The underside reveals a fascinating military history; this shell is an early WW2 production for a British 18-Pounder Mark II field gun (stamped 18 Pr II). This type of artillery originated in the First World War, but was actively used by the British at the start of the Second World War (1939-1940) in the defense of Belgium and France.
The Flanking Shells (Left & Right)
The two remaining shells flank the middle piece perfectly and have retained their tight, industrial military look. The undersides bear clear, deeply struck military inspection stamps:
Left shell: Dated 1942, with various factory and inspection markings.
Right shell:
Dated 1940, featuring the recognizable British military ownership mark, the Broad Arrow (↑), and the designation CF (Cordite Full).
A splendid ensemble for militaria collectors, WW2 history enthusiasts, or lovers of Antwerp city history.

