Can anyone identify this?

[jwillyg]

My mother in law gave this to me over the weekend and asked if I can figure out what it is. It appears to be made of copper and has a crest with the word Verdun beneath it. Any help would be appreciated!

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[RichardS]

Looks like a shell casing made into a commemorative something from the Siege of Verdun during WWI. At least to me.

[Dibble201Bty]

AKA 'Trench Art'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trench_art

http://www.trenchart.org/

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=tre...w=1360&bih=626

Paul

[Andy H]

Yep as mentioned by others definitely some trench art you have there. Now whether its genuine WW1 trench art or some modern day rip-off, only the provenance will help in that regard.

There is a booming industry in Eastern Europe producing WW1 Trench Art, and in some regards the market had become flooded, affecting prices and also raising skeptical eyebrows about authenticity.

Regards

[SRV Ron]

Originally Posted by Andy H

Yep as mentioned by others definitely some trench art you have there. Now whether its genuine WW1 trench art or some modern day rip-off, only the provenance will help in that regard.

There is a booming industry in Eastern Europe producing WW1 Trench Art, and in some regards the market had become flooded, affecting prices and also raising skeptical eyebrows about authenticity.

Regards

Definitely trench art. Just inventoried several boxes of stuff like this including a lamp, candle holders, and vases made from expended brass artillery shells. They feature either detailed engraving, or have been decorated using a mallet to hammer in the details. All are from the 339th Engineers when they were serving in North Russia and was brought home by those that made it. There is no doubt that those items are for real.

And, like mentioned, if you find such stuff being advertised for sale from Russia, it is likely fake.

More pics of field art from expended artillery casings;

[Duncan]

SRV Ron's look like ashtrays.
Jwillyg's looks like a napkin holder.

[SRV Ron]

Originally Posted by Duncan

SRV Ron's look like ashtrays.
Jwillyg's looks like a napkin holder.

Could be. They are about 3 inches in dia. Don't know why the bullet casing with the bullet has been placed where the primer would have been.

The other casing is about the right size for a napkin sleeve. The bottoms are completely engraved as well as all sides.

Based upon the same shell casing is a lamp base. The vases are made from a complete casing. (No pictures at this time).

The collection also contains finely painted cigar cases and highly engraved leather holsters for US Army pistols. Also, WW1 helmets with extensive artwork with Polar Bear and unit insignias.