I thought I'd start a new thread just for my trench art collection both from WWII and WWI (sometimes it's hard to tell, besides WWI shell were use din WWII) . These are items I have acquired in France, in a zone rougly ranging from the Loire up to Normandy . They can come from flleemarkets, antique shops, garage sales and others.
Most of these items were sold to impove soldiers daily life. Therefore the were scattered all ove rthe country by civilians who supported the war effort or veterans who brought them back after the war. They were used as decorations , vases and others and after the vets passed aways these items ended up on flle markets or in antique shops.

This one I got last Saturday in Orleans: it's a French 75mm









Notice the partially reversed text, that was crafted the wrong way and makes the items quite unique: whereas you can clearly read "vive RF" (Republique Francaise) you need to put it in front of a mirror to read "La Marne 1914"

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reversed text "La Marne 1914"

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Didn't know at all that they made such things out of war material, thanks!

Got these at an antique depot in Normandy. among the junk , the flowers, an old ice cream vendor cart, furniture etc... I got these 75evers turned into two beautiful callices . I felt like I had found the Graal!

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There are some more good photos in the trench art thread as well. I hope I am linking correctly here.


World War II Metal Trench Art

I know but these are all from my personnal collection, not from elsewhere.

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And I am quite envious of that! I just wanted to give our colleague a link to more examples, as he seemed interested, not to take anything away from your collection, Skipper. Although if I could take anything away from your collection to start my own collection, let me know!

I also have some ww1/ww2 trench art cartridges. You may have them if you like. And when you are arround again in Holland?

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Eine Lichtung im Walde wo die Sonne scheint.
Eingeschlossen durch Bäume sind wir gefangen,
in dieser Lichtung Gottes...

Hi 272VGD! Long time no hear! I hope eveything is okay.
I'll be in Holland withing a few months I think. Thanks for the offer. When I drive by I may stop for a coffee (or a beer if Mrs Skipper is driving) I'd love to make new additions and I would certainly like to see your collection that must be huge.

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No problem, it's never to late to start a new collection

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Great stuff Skipper! I'm always amazed at what an artist can do with these war items! Absolutely beautiful!

Hey 272vgd! good to see you around here again!

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Scott

Another worked 75ever with Holy on one side (Christmas related?) and a double Lorraine cross on the other side. The curving is more clumsy and tends to shows this one was not crafted with tools but with a nail or a knive. I like it because it really reflects what a soldier did during his break time while still in the trenches. The more decorated ones were often crafted by skilled professionnals who got worked for officers behind the lines and had a roof, heating and all the tools they needed.
notice the bump with also tends to show the guy picked what he found.







I also bought this one in Chartres

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Skipper -- I am very much enjoying these photos. Can you tell us more about how you got into collecting trench art? How difficicult is it to find affordable pieces to add to your collection?

Well , I am happy enough to have a neighbour , who is also a friend and who is a militaria collector. He taught me a lot, about where to find what, how to recognize militaria amid a pile of junk, the value of such and such a thing, how to bargain. It's a matter of knowing where to look , when to go and thousands may pass the items without knowing what they are. There is also a dose of luck. I always have limits and will never go beyond a certain price for each item .

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Hello Skipper and Bigfun, I was very busy for a while (with the hobby offcourse).
I'm selling many items in my collection because I'm only collect Luftwaffe material for now and medals/buckles, because thats my main interest en because I don't have enough space to display everything. But offcourse I don't sell any items that I dug up personally.
Wel sorry for this offtopic message. Hope you guys are olso okay?!


Let me know when your arround Skip, beer and coffee are waiting for you...
And maybe if you have the time we can dug up some relics!

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Eine Lichtung im Walde wo die Sonne scheint.
Eingeschlossen durch Bäume sind wir gefangen,
in dieser Lichtung Gottes...

I have noticed the your hometown in my address book, but it will take several months beofre I go back to Holland. The Relic digging will have to wait , Mrs Skipper won't let me go that's for sure. If we ever want to do that together I would have to come alone. Back to the topic: I have another pair of shells to post today. They are quite exceptionnal because they are "twins" made by the same artist, but in fact one shell is French and the other one is a U.S. Remington. I forgot to add previously that these shells were often sold in pairs (see the two callice shapes shells for instance)

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Hello firends, here is more. I particulary like this pair of 75ers because at first sight they totally look alike and were even crafter by the same artist, but upon a closer look you can see that one is French and the other one is American UMC REMINGTON. They allow a very nice comparaison and leads me to the conclusion that both shells could be used in canons from both armies.

Also this is the information I have from a Vet. He told me part of the secret you need to know to make these pieces of artwork. You have to fill them with fine sand . This way when you use a nail to work the iron , you don't make dents and holes in the copper/brass. in fact you push evrything back except the model you want to design. I always thougt it was the opposite way. This means evry inch of the shell was worked , so it makes them even more exceptionnal.

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a few items on the same picture

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Hello Skipper,

Wow - that is interesting, I have to admit that before seeing your thread I wasn't aware at all about this "Trench Art".

Regards
Kruska

ok here's another one for you, it's not so common to see tropical birds used as a subject instead of the usual fauna themes. I particulary like this one, especially as it was a present.

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Hello Skipper,

Phhhee - you sure have a beauty there. Are there existing exibitions in regards to Trench-Art? or any known artists trying to make a name for themselves?

Regards
Kruska

Yes there are a few exhibitions here and there . As to the artists, the last "Poilu" (Landsherr in German I believe) passed away this year, so there are not many famous artists left if there ever were. 99% percent of those artist wil remain anonymous for ever. The Pelican was made on a German shell, so maybe it wa smade by a German, but that's impossible to tell. They certainly did not want to make a name, but sell these when they had leaves, they would also ask their relatives to sell them for them at home so that they could get some extra money to buy food. Those who bought them made a patriotic gesture by helping soldiers to get better food.

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Hello Skipper,

thanks for the interesting information - I didn't know about the roots or causes for this art - I thought it is some art trend that just sprung up recently- and was wondering why they are all somewhat Art Deco like.

Regards
Kruska

Oh no they are vintage and were made by the soldiers during the war.
I collect shells but there are all sort of other items like lighters, cigarette hoses, toys etc...

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I have an interesting pair, its two small bullet cases of about 15mm calibre, and 10cm in length, brass one has K37 P.I. and the other K39P.II. on the base with a pair of brass cap badges I think on the top. They are a brass star with a central cross and the royal motto around the edge "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" Detail is a bit faded though as they've been lovingly polished for 90 odd years.

They came from my late grandfather who was a trooper in the 4th/7th Irish Dragoons when WWI broke out (he died in 1990 and at the time was the last man left alive who took part in the first action involving british troops in the great war) so they are very precious to me. I know my mum has his cavalrymans spurs at home but sadly his medals went to my cousin who had no real interest in them. I don't think they are his cap badges but they may well be from one of my other relatives as I know my grandmother lost a couple of brothers.