Remembrance in Bloom 2 – WWI Trench Art (1916)

Crafted from a 75mm artillery shell dated 1916, this stunning piece of trench art is a poignant example of beauty forged in the heart of war. Hand-decorated by a soldier in the trenches of World War I, the shell has been carefully transformed into a vessel of remembrance — its surface embossed with blooming poppies, long considered a symbol of sacrifice and memory.

Made by the New York Air Brake Company (NYAB), this shell would have accompanied American forces to France after the U.S. joined the war in 1917. Its textured background is a traditional pointillé style, a meticulous dotwork technique achieved by hand with basic tools, likely during quiet moments between battle.

The floral design on this piece is nearly identical to its companion shell (sold separately as Remembrance in Bloom 1), suggesting both may have been decorated by the same soldier. While originally acquired as a pair, they are being sold individually. It’s important to note that recurring patterns in trench art do not lessen their authenticity — many soldiers copied familiar motifs, exchanged ideas, or created multiples for fellow soldiers or loved ones.

This shell stands as both a historical artifact and a deeply human expression of resilience and artistry in the face of war.

Origin: France, brought over by American troops
Material: Brass

Dimensions: 13" x 4"