Remembrance in Bloom – WWI Trench Art (1917)

This 75mm brass artillery shell, transformed by hand in 1917, is a stunning example of World War I trench art. Its surface is covered in a sea of tiny hammer marks—each one intentional, textured, and painstakingly placed to form a dotted background for the raised repoussé floral motif.

At the heart of the design is a blooming pansy, a traditional symbol of remembrance and thoughtfulness—an especially fitting tribute for a piece born in the shadow of war. The clean, bright brass finish contrasts with the raw history of the object itself, once used on the battlefield and now preserved as a vessel of beauty and memory.

Likely made by a member of the American Expeditionary Forces after their arrival in France, this shell has been carefully preserved and still bears firing marks at the base—visible reminders of its original purpose.

Note: This piece is part of a found pair, each sold individually.

While each trench art shell is handcrafted and unique, it is not uncommon to find pieces with similar or even matching designs. Soldiers often used shared motifs—particularly floral or botanical elements—and these patterns were sometimes passed around or inspired by a common stencil. Pieces made in pairs may have been intended as gifts or mementos and were often created by the same hand. These similarities are part of what makes trench art so human: an emotional language shared across individuals and time.

About Trench Art
Trench art refers to items crafted by soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians using leftover materials from the battlefield—shell casings, bullets, and shrapnel—transformed into objects of reflection, mourning, and survival. Every piece carries a story, and every mark holds a memory.

Dimensions: 13" x 4"