“Rooted in Remembrance 2” – WWI Trench Art Shell (1916)

“Rooted in Remembrance 2” is a stunning piece of World War I trench art, meticulously engraved by a soldier in the trenches of France. This shell features a flourishing rose rising from a delicately rendered brick planter, a powerful symbol of resilience growing from the rubble of war. The etched basket weave gives the piece a grounded strength, while the scalloped top is adorned with a regal row of flame-like motifs—an elegant detail rarely seen in trench art of this kind.

Created from a 75mm French artillery shell dated 1916 and discovered in Normandy, this piece is rich with symbolism. The rose stands not only for love and beauty, but also for the persistence of life and hope amidst destruction. The companion piece to Rooted in Remembrance 1, this shell can be displayed on its own or as part of a meaningful pair.

Because many soldiers in the trenches used similar tools and patterns, you may notice stylistic similarities between certain pieces. While some shells may appear related or even part of a set, each one is entirely unique and individually handcrafted by the soldier who decorated it.

A deeply personal relic of wartime history, Rooted in Remembrance 2 invites reflection on the lives and emotions of the soldiers who transformed tools of war into objects of enduring grace.

Dimensions: 12.5" x 4"