Lot 220, Auction 4/3/2026: WWI Commemorative French Verdun Artillery Shell

$260.00

In stock

Western Europe, France, WWI era, ca. early 20th century CE. A brass artillery shell casing engraved as a decorative souvenir, featuring a textured ground created with dense zigzag punchwork and a large rooster motif above the inscription “Verdun.” The rooster, a longstanding symbol of France, stands prominently within the design, its form outlined against the patterned surface. Pieces such as this were often produced by soldiers or civilians from spent shell casings, transforming objects of war into commemorative decorative works, a practice widely known as trench art. The reference to Verdun recalls the Battle of Verdun, fought from February 21 to December 18, 1916, one of the longest and most devastating battles of World War I, in which French forces resisted a major German offensive at enormous human cost. Size: 3.45″ W x 6.75″ H (8.8 cm x 17.1 cm)

Condition: Minor abrasions and scratches to surface. Discoloration and patina. Overall great condition.

Provenance: private Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA collection

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