Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. Trench art is any decorative item made by soldiers, prisoners of war, or civilians where the manufacture is directly linked to armed conflict or its consequences. It offers an insight not only to their feelings and emotions about the war, but also their surroundings and the materials they had available to them.

Not limited to the World Wars, the history of trench art spans conflicts from the Napoleonic Wars to the present day. Although the practice flourished during World War I, the term 'trench art' is also used to describe souvenirs manufactured by service personnel during World War II. Some items manufactured by soldiers, prisoners of war or civilians during earlier conflicts have been retrospectively described as trench art.

Not Available for Export.

This is a great piece of trench art made by an American soldier in the Coastal Artillery. The piece is made from a German 10.5cm shell, with an attached Coastal Artillery Corps emblem made from shell pieces, held up by three smaller shell legs. It is unclear whether this was meant to be an ashtray, or a standalone display piece. The Coastal Artillery emblem is only attached by the two bottom rivets, and is currently a bit loose. It should be better affixed by some glue or something else.

The side of the shell above the emblem is painted with the information that was originally on the bottom of the shell:

Karth.
6349 St.
10,5 cm
S.F.K. 18

This information is no longer visible on the bottom of the shell. The information on the bottom of the three smaller shells is also no longer visible. There are rubber pads attached at the throat of each round so it sits on the ground without causing damage. 

The piece measures 22¾ x 6 ½ x 6”. A great piece of trench art, ready to display.

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).