Rooted in Remembrance – WWI Trench Art (1916)

This 75mm brass artillery shell, engraved by hand during World War I and discovered in Normandy, is a remarkable example of early trench art. Its delicate floral design rises from an engraved brickwork base—symbolizing growth from ruin, beauty emerging from hardship.

The shell features an ornate, petal-like crown and finely etched leaves extending toward the top, giving the piece an almost architectural elegance. The craftsmanship is precise, reflective, and quietly powerful. While many trench art pieces were made using repoussé, this one was carefully engraved—each line scratched by hand, each motif born from patience and intention.

Dated 1916, this piece may have been created by a French soldier in the early years of the war, either near the front or while recovering behind the lines. The engraved design and clean lines suggest the hand of someone both practiced and emotionally invested in preserving a memory or message.

About Similar Designs
While each trench art shell is unique, some share similar motifs or were originally created in pairs. These designs were often passed between soldiers, created from shared stencils, or inspired by regional plants and symbols. At Belle Maison, shells that were found together are sometimes listed with a “1” or “2” in the title for clarity—but even similar pieces were hand-worked and remain individually significant. Their repetition only deepens the sense of shared experience and emotional connection across time.

About Trench Art
Trench art is a form of soldier-made expression—created from shell casings, bullets, and other battlefield remnants during or after WWI. These pieces were carved, engraved, or hammered by hand, often during brief moments of rest between battles. More than artifacts, they are expressions of survival, memory, and the hope that something beautiful might endure.

Dimensions: 12" x 4"