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
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