Trench Art - Brass Lamp Base

Object/Artifact

-

Henley & Grange RSL

Name/Title

Trench Art - Brass Lamp Base

Entry/Object ID

2023.22.3

Description

It is believed that this piece of tench art, is a brass lamp base which was constructed from an Italian 75mm artillery shell casing, dated 2/1937. It has been cut to produce a simplistic representation of the Australian Coat of arms: a kangaroo, map of Australia and an emu. The base of the casing has markings in reference to its calibre, date of manufacture and possible quality control.

Use

Trench Art is a misleading term given today to a wide variety of decorative items, sometimes also functional, produced during or soon after the First World War (though the term is also applied to products of both earlier and more recent wars). They were made in all the countries engaged in combat. Ashtrays, matchbox holders, letter knives, model tanks and planes are typically found. Often they are re-purpose lead bullets, brass recovered from spent charge cases, and copper from shell driving bands, although carved wooden and bone pieces, and embroideries are also seen. However, few examples were fashioned literally in the trenches. Nor were all made by soldiers.

Category

Sculpture, War Memorabilia
Art

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Stamped markings on base of casing MB 2/937 A coronet with IV below 75/27 3

Location

Building

Henley & Grange RSL Sub-branch

Condition

Overall Condition

Excellent

Notes

In excellent condition for its age.

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Donation

Acquired From

Thomas Michael Hanrahan

Provenance

Provenance Detail

Original owner

Notes

Thomas Michael Hanrahan