Pair of Early 20th Century French Wwi Brass Trench Art Shell Vases

Details

Description

Crafted in France during World War I, circa 1916, this striking pair of antique trench art vases was fashioned from … Read more Crafted in France during World War I, circa 1916, this striking pair of antique trench art vases was fashioned from original brass artillery shell casings. Beautifully transformed into decorative objects, the tall cylindrical vessels reflect the ingenuity and craftsmanship of soldiers and artisans who repurposed military materials into meaningful works of art.

Each vase features a finely worked repoussé floral and foliate design, with raised branches, stylized leaves, and small buds extending across a densely textured, hand-punched background. The intricate decoration creates an attractive contrast between the smooth, polished brass motifs and the darker stippled surface. The lower section of each casing has been skillfully shaped into an elegant series of elongated flutes, giving the cylindrical vessels a graceful, sculptural silhouette reminiscent of Art Nouveau decorative metalwork.

The original shell bases retain their military markings, including the date 1916, providing an interesting connection to the First World War. The interiors display natural oxidation, while the exterior surfaces retain a warm golden brass patina with subtle variations in color and finish.

The antique French trench art vases are in very good condition commensurate with age and use, with minor surface wear and imperfections consistent with their history. Display them as a pair on a fireplace mantel, library shelf, or gentleman's desk, or use them to hold dried floral arrangements. These unusual historical pieces combine military heritage with decorative artistry, making them appealing to collectors of WWI memorabilia and French antique metalwork.

Dimensions: Each vase measures 3.5" Diameter x 13.5"H. See less