Original U.S. WWI 79th Division Trench Art Engraved French 75mm Brass Artillery Shell with Floral Motif & Division Insignia
In stock
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Original Item: One of a Kind. Standing 13 3/4" tall and 3 3/8" wide this is the classic French WWI Artillery Casing in brass of the classic French 75 mm artillery piece. This example was taken as a souvenir by an American soldier in the 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces. The 79th Division adopted the French Cross of Lorraine for its insignia, and they fought valiantly in the Meuse Argonne Offensive.
The shell is stamped with a gorgeous floral motif on the exterior with what looks like a tulip. The opposite side at the bottom is stamped with the Cross of Lorraine & Shield insignia of the 79th Division over the text 79 DIV.. The bottom of the shell is stamped with:
75 DE C
MGM 768L, 17 BX
This likely dates the shell to 1917. The 79th Division was organized for service with the American Expeditionary Forces and adopted the Cross of Lorraine as its divisional insignia. The division saw heavy combat during the final months of WWI and is particularly associated with the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of the largest and most important American operations of the war.
The combination of the French 75mm brass casing, hand-worked floral decoration, 79th Division Cross of Lorraine and shield, 79 DIV. inscription, and period base markings makes this a strong representative example of American WWI trench art. Its decorative quality and clear divisional association give it excellent historical and display value.
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