Outstanding Art Nouveau Trench Art WWI Cannon Shell w/ Chrome Bullet 1918 Verdun

Description

This listing is for an outstanding example of Trench Art in the form of a cannon shell with a chrome bullet tip.
There are a couple attributes that make this specimen of Trench Art unique and in my opinion, more desirable.
Instead of repurposing the shell into a practical object, such as a vessel or tool, which is typical, the artist chose to maintain the piece as an actual cannon cartridge, complete with a shiny, chrome bullet top.
The pounded or carved artwork featured on the brass shells of Trench Art tends to vary in detail and craftsmanship. This piece features a distinct, exquisitely rendered Art Nouveau floral design, typical of the period and location of its origin. It has a flowing, organic style, full of detail, complete with a petal violating the top border. Since it’s a smaller, 37mm shell casing, the details are quite intricate.
The obverse features a more down-to-business crest, serving to
simply
state that this shell is a commemoration of the battle of Verdun.
All these details seem to collectively convey the intense dichotomy between life’s beauty and the horrors of war that Trench Art strives to achieve. Those same details separate this piece from the decorative, craft creations that you typically encounter with Trench Art.
This is very much a piece of artwork.
The markings on the bottom confirm the shell itself is a 37MM cannon shell. A quick google search will return many examples of the type of weapon that fired these shells.
The chrome plated, copper bullet is also stamped with a lot number.
The piece stands approx. 6.25” tall with a roughly 1.5” diameter and weighs about 1.75 pounds.
The brass has a shiny, polished look.
There are minor scuffs and scratches on the chrome finish and here and there on the shell but nothing serious.
Check the photos to confirm the quality of what you are purchasing and feel free to ask me any questions.
Thanks for looking!