Grace in Bloom 1 - WWI British Trench Art Shell (1918)

Handcrafted from a British 75mm artillery shell dated 1918, Grace in Bloom 1 is a moving example of WWI trench art. The upper casing is adorned with a delicately hammered floral motif, while the base features elegant scalloping that exposes the original brass beneath the shell’s natural patina. The contrast between the bright lower portion and the oxidized top gives this piece a distinct sense of harmony—balancing strength with softness, much like the soldiers who once handled it.

This shell is one of a pair, each sold separately.

Note: You may notice similarities in motif or design across multiple trench art shells. This does not diminish their authenticity—each was hand-decorated by a soldier in or after the trenches of war. Recurring themes and styles were often inspired by regional flora, shared symbolism, or common tools available at the time.

Dimensions: 11" x 4"