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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: Vwdoyle on September 28, 2014, 09:01:38 PM

Title: Trench Art
Post by: Vwdoyle on September 28, 2014, 09:01:38 PM

Hi Guys,

I picked up this really cool piece of trench art yesterday.  Is there any way to figure out when it is from?  It measures 14 3/8" tall with a 3 5/8" diameter. 

Title: Re: Trench Art
Post by: Rauville on September 29, 2014, 07:38:38 AM

Is that the diameter measurement of the base?

The vast majority of these pieces were made from WWI 75mm French artillery shell casings. Can you read the markings on the base?

Title: Re: Trench Art
Post by: Vwdoyle on September 29, 2014, 10:42:16 AM

Hi Rauville,

Thank you for your response.  The base markings are just the hammered in design.  There are no markings that would indicate type or year etc.  I have attached a pic of the bottom which also has no markings.

Title: Re: Trench Art
Post by: fancypants on September 29, 2014, 12:29:33 PM

With that rough-ish diameter , perhaps a German "88" shell from WW2 ?

Somebody did spend some time on it & it sure looks nicer than many that I've seen , Vwdoyle !

Title: Re: Trench Art
Post by: Vwdoyle on September 29, 2014, 12:38:24 PM

Thanks fancypants!

Is this something I should buff out or leave as-is? 

Title: Re: Trench Art
Post by: fancypants on September 29, 2014, 01:39:13 PM

I'd suggest just leaving it as-is , and perhaps a light coating of furniture wax (buff it to remove excess wax , if you wanna) as needed , to help keep the 'rust' at bay .

Sure wouldn't polish the metal (down to bare) to make it shine , though ... patina is our friend !