Lot 244, Auction 4/20/2026: World War I German Brass Shell Casing w/ Iron Cross

$130.00

In stock

Western Europe, Germany, World War I era, ca. 1916 CE. A brass artillery shell casing engraved as a commemorative souvenir and dated 1914 – 1919. The cylindrical body is etched with the word “Souvenir” above a crown Iron Cross motif, with the date 1914 on one arm and 1919 on the opposing arm, marking the span of the Great War. Although fighting ceased with the Armistice in November 1918, the war formally concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. The base bears an imperial eagle mark along with additional stamped arsenal markings consistent with Austro-Hungarian manufacture. While the Iron Cross is often associated with Nazi Germany, the design itself long predates the Third Reich. It originated as a Prussian military decoration in the early 19th century and was reinstated by Emperor Wilhelm II in August 1914 at the outbreak of World War I, functioning at that time as a respected Prussian, and broadly recognized German, military honor. Size: 4.5″ W x 5″ H (11.4 cm x 12.7 cm)

Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions, but otherwise intact and excellent. Some patina and toning as expected with age.

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

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