Trench Art is the name given to objects manufactured by both soldiers and civilians from shell casings, bullets, shrapnel and miscellaneous battlefield debris, and is predominantly associated with World War I (1914 – 18). The most common material used for trench art are brass shell casings, which, once decorated, can be utilised as vases. Other metal items include cigarette cases, lighters, ashtrays, and cast model aeroplanes. Often the items will bear an inscription such as the name of a French village or theatre of war and engraved decoration or embossing. Another softer form of trench art is embroidered and painted textiles. Also produced by civilians and soldiers (needlework was considered good therapy for those convalescing in nursing homes), these textiles range from silk postcards to large pictures and wall hangings, often featuring regimental crests.

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A World War I French trench Art model light house c.1915. The…

WWI Trench Art Light House Sculpture

A World War I French trench Art model light house c.1915. The light house is made using ammunition shell casings and various military related metal parts. The base has a concealed mechanical wind up movement, which turns the top candle light house. The…

A New Zealand made trench art lamp, chrome and wooden shell…

Kiwi Trench Art Lamp: Chrome, Wood, and Grenade Switch

A New Zealand made trench art lamp, chrome and wooden shell with a chrome grenade as a switch. Original glass globe shade. Height 64.5 cm, depth 25 cm

A large World War I trench art mirror, chip carved frame with…

WWI Trench Art Mirror: King George's Royal Cypher Frame

A large World War I trench art mirror, chip carved frame with applied '1914' and 'Gr' (Georgius Rex, the Royal cypher of King George). Height 104 cm, width 54 cm, depth 4 cm

Two trench art beakers with kangaroo handles, one inscribed…

Kangaroo-handled Trench Art Beakers from 1946 Golf Event

Two trench art beakers with kangaroo handles, one inscribed Narrabri Diggers golf 1946, 17 cm high

A collection of four brass trench art shell case vases, French,…

Brass Trench Art Shell Case Vases Collection

A collection of four brass trench art shell case vases, French, circa 1915. The tallest 35 cm high

World War I trench Art crucifix and candlesticks marked 'Ypres'…

Ypres Trench Art: Symbols of Peace from WWI Soldiers

World War I trench Art crucifix and candlesticks marked 'Ypres' and 'The Menin Gate Memorial Ypres'. Heights 15 cm & 21.5 cm. Provenance: These items were made in France in the Immediate period after the signing of the Armistice by Australian soldiers, as…

A World War I trench art inkwell, a horse's hoof with an…

ANZAC Horse Hoof Inkwell with Trench Art Decoration

A World War I trench art inkwell, a horse's hoof with an aluminium handmade lid, decorated with a map of N.Z and Australia with the letters ANZACS, the handle lifts to stand as a pen holder, family provenance of vendor states that the horse was killed on…

Trench Art: Pair of World War I period artillery shells with…

Floral Trench Art Shells from WWI

Trench Art: Pair of World War I period artillery shells with floral motifs. 30 cm

World War I Trench Periscope: Trench periscope with original…

WWI Trench Periscope with Original Label and Spare Mirrors

World War I Trench Periscope: Trench periscope with original label identifying it as 'Periscope No.9, Mark II' made by Adam & Co (Great Britain, 1918), two spare mirrors, housed in canvas bag, 36 cm high.

A trench art horse's hoof candle holder engraved 'Anzac cove…

Anzac Cove 1915 Trench Art Horse Hoof Candle Holder

A trench art horse's hoof candle holder engraved 'Anzac cove 1915', 6 cm high, 10 cm wide, 11.5 cm deep

A Collection of World War I items belonging to Private James…

Private James Bird's World War I Collection

A Collection of World War I items belonging to Private James Bird, including a World War I Victory medal awarded to '3/564 Prt. J.S. Bird. N.Z.E.F.' Private James Samuel Bird of Timaru, served with the New Zealand Medical Corps. He was drowned with the…

A collection of World War I medals and other items associated…

WWI Medals & Items of Pte. Thomas Gadsby

A collection of World War I medals and other items associated to H.3726 Pte. Thomas James Gadsby. 7th Hussars, including Meritorious Service Medal (named); 1914-15 star (named); ribbon bar; two 'Mentioned in Despatches' certificates with facsimile…

An impressive World War I period trench art table lamp, 59 cm…

WWI Trench Art Table Lamp - 59 cm High

An impressive World War I period trench art table lamp, 59 cm high

Trench art pair of vases shaped from brass shell casings,…

Brass shell casing vases, 1917

Trench art pair of vases shaped from brass shell casings, stamped 1917 to base, height 28 cm

A World War I diggers button trophy belt and three bone trench…

WWI Diggers Trophy Belt and Bone Trench Art Pieces

A World War I diggers button trophy belt and three bone trench art pieces, the bone trench art carved Sawley Rippon, 1919

A World War I bi-plane brass trench art figure. Height 11 cm.

WWI bi-plane brass trench art figurine

A World War I bi-plane brass trench art figure. Height 11 cm.

World War I British trench Periscope c.1917

WWI British Trench Periscope (1917)

World War I British trench Periscope c.1917

Choice lot of twelve items of small World War I trench art,…

WWI Trench Art Lot - Lighters, Stamps, Etc

Choice lot of twelve items of small World War I trench art, lighters, name stamps, etc

Mafeking Siege 2nd Boer war trench art scuttle, engraved…

Mafeking Siege Trench Art Scuttle, 1899

Mafeking Siege 2nd Boer war trench art scuttle, engraved 'Mafeking Siege, 1899'. 7 cm high, 9 cm long

Pair of World War II Australian Military Forces trench art…

WWII Australian Trench Art Cannon Shells - Egyptian Scene

Pair of World War II Australian Military Forces trench art Egyptian scene cannon shells

Trench art two pairs of vases with repousse decoration, 34 cm…

Trench art two pairs of vases with repousse decoration, 34 cm and 31 cm high

An Australian World War II period trench art carving of a…

WWII Kangaroo and Emu Boomerang Trench Art

An Australian World War II period trench art carving of a kangaroo and emu on a boomerang, carved tortoise shell, circa 1940s, 12.5 cm wide

A trench art cap made from a 1916 4-inch shell, with a Canadian…

Trench Art Cap with Boer War Badge and General Service Buttons

A trench art cap made from a 1916 4-inch shell, with a Canadian pith-helmet cap badge from the Boer war, with a General Service button to each side of the peak. Created by Walter Hawkins Dagley (1891 - 1965). Accompanied by biographical details.

Trench art pair of brass shell cases modelled as vases World…

WWI Brass Vase Pair with Floral Decoration

Trench art pair of brass shell cases modelled as vases World War I, dated 1919 with floral decoration, height 29.5 cm

A trench art cigarette lighter in the form of an officer's cap,…

Trench Art Collection: Lighter, Tin, and Picture Frame

A trench art cigarette lighter in the form of an officer's cap, a decorated tin with rising sun badge, and an Australian chrome picture frame with emu and kangaroo, early to mid 20th century, (3 items), the picture frame 12.5 cm wide

Burberry beige trench coat in swing style, below the knee with…

Swing-style Burberry Trench Coat with Check Lining

Burberry beige trench coat in swing style, below the knee with Burberry check lining

World War II Trench Art Coffin Game (Hitler, Tojo, Mussolini),…

WWII Coffin Game: Hitler, Tojo, Mussolini Trench Art

World War II Trench Art Coffin Game (Hitler, Tojo, Mussolini),handmade wood coffin with three mummies.with instructions provided.

Two trench art bracelets, both set with six pence, one with a…

Engraved Trench Art Bracelets with Six Pence

Two trench art bracelets, both set with six pence, one with a metal panel engraved 'Pauline'.

Trench art pair of brass shell casings modelled as vases,…

Brass shell casings turned vases

Trench art pair of brass shell casings modelled as vases, height 32.5 cm

US M3 trench knife with scabbard. 295 mm overall with 170 mm…

US M3 Trench Knife with Scabbard and Leg Tie

US M3 trench knife with scabbard. 295 mm overall with 170 mm partially double edged blade stamped 'U.S. M3-Utica', (see 'U.S. Military Knives, Bayonets & Machetes. Book III' by M.H. Cole, page 97, no.22). Steel cross guard and pommel, stacked leather grip…

Two French Trench art vases, each approx 35 cm high (2)

Pair of 35cm French Trench Art Vases

Two French Trench art vases, each approx 35 cm high (2)

Three German World War I matchbox covers, with 'Gott Mit Uns'…

German WWI Memorabilia and Trench Art

Three German World War I matchbox covers, with 'Gott Mit Uns' Motto; and two pieces of German trench art, including a brass ashtray and a brass lighter (5)

World War II trench Art in the style of 'The Enola Gay',…

Enola Gay-Inspired WWII Trench Art Sculpture

World War II trench Art in the style of 'The Enola Gay', modelled after a Boeing B-29 Super Fortress. Chrome plated; base dated 1942. Height 30 cm

World War I Trench Art: collection of trench art shell cases.…

WWI Trench Art Collection

World War I Trench Art: collection of trench art shell cases. 75 mm Japanese brass shell with Australian CMF emblem; 18 Pounder Mk II brass shell jar with lid, dated 1916; 4.5-inch Howitzer brass shell ash tray, dated 1915;.50 caliber M2 machine gun…

Pair of trench art vases, kangaroo and boomerang

Kangaroo and Boomerang Trench Art Vases

Pair of trench art vases, kangaroo and boomerang

Miscellaneous. A Chinese tray, Chinese pillow, a discoloured…

Eclectic Objects

Miscellaneous. A Chinese tray, Chinese pillow, a discoloured ivory puzzle ball, Islander vase, trench Art shell case and small African carving. Diameter 40 cm (tray)

Trench art ashtray, bakelite clock with R. A. A. F presentation…

Trench Art Trio: Clock, Ashtray, Tankard

Trench art ashtray, bakelite clock with R. A. A. F presentation plaque & a tankard. (3 items)

Trench art large ewer made from a large calibre artillery shell…

Greek Key Brass Ewer from Artillery Shell

Trench art large ewer made from a large calibre artillery shell in brass. With Greek key decoration. Height 50 cm.

Pair of World War I French trench brass art vases, with crimped…

French WWI Trench Brass Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of World War I French trench brass art vases, with crimped bases, each approx 34 cm high (2)

Three large brass trench art vases (3)

Set of 3 Brass Trench Art Vases

Three large brass trench art vases (3)

French World War I wooden trench periscope, approx 51 cm

WWI French Wooden Trench Periscope (51cm)

French World War I wooden trench periscope, approx 51 cm

A World War I period trench art aeroplane ornament, 14 cm high

WWI Trench Art Aeroplane Ornament

A World War I period trench art aeroplane ornament, 14 cm high

A pair of French trench art artillery shell vases, World War I,…

WWI French Trench Art Vases - Repousse Rose Design

A pair of French trench art artillery shell vases, World War I, 1916 the pair of French 75 mm field gun brass shell cases, dated 1916, worked with repousse roses reserved on stippled ground. Height 34.5 cm

Pair of French World War I Trench art vases, approx 35 cm high…

French WWI Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War I Trench art vases, approx 35 cm high (2)

Three French World War I trench Art vases (3)

French WWI Trench Art Vases (Set of 3)

Three French World War I trench Art vases (3)

Pair of World War I brass trench Art shells/vases

Brass Trench Art Shells/Vases from World War I

Pair of World War I brass trench Art shells/vases

Pair of French brass trench art vases, each approx 65 cm high…

French Brass Trench Art Vases - Pair (65cm)

Pair of French brass trench art vases, each approx 65 cm high (2)

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, each approx…

French WWI Brass Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, each approx 34 cm high (2)

Pair of French brass trench art vases, Courlay 1917, each…

French Brass Trench Art Vases, Courlay 1917 (Pair)

Pair of French brass trench art vases, Courlay 1917, each approx 35 cm high (2)

World War I Austrailan Service Medal belonging to Corp. D.Rose…

WWI Australian Medal and Trench Art Lighters

World War I Austrailan Service Medal belonging to Corp. D.Rose 21st Batt. A.I.F; (3) trench art lighters. Brass .30 caliber round lighter with removable tip; attractive circular brass lighter small polished tube with Australian map at one end with a crown…

Pair of French World War I trench Art vases, approx. 28 cm (2)

French WWI Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War I trench Art vases, approx. 28 cm (2)

Three French World War I trench Art vases, approx. 34 cm (3)

WWI French Trench Art Vases Set

Three French World War I trench Art vases, approx. 34 cm (3)

Pair of German trench art vases decorated with the iron cross.…

German Trench Art Iron Cross Vases (Set of 2)

Pair of German trench art vases decorated with the iron cross. 22 cm high(2)

A duo of trench propeller Planes, a pair of aluminium model…

Trench Propeller Duo on Wooden Base

A duo of trench propeller Planes, a pair of aluminium model planes on a wooden base, 265 x 310 x 7 cm

A collection of World War I Italian trench Art 7 pcs. One…

WWI Italian Trench Art Collection

A collection of World War I Italian trench Art 7 pcs. One bangle marked 'Ricordo Del 1917'. The letter opener marked 'Guerra Europea'. One bangle with '139' insignia. Length 25.3 cm

A World War I trench art Australian Battalion crested photo…

WWI Australian Battalion Crested Trench Art Photo Frame

A World War I trench art Australian Battalion crested photo frame, height 21 cm

World War I trench art trophy. Ivo W. Kerr golf trophy, made…

WWI Trench Art Golf Trophy - Ivo W. Kerr

World War I trench art trophy. Ivo W. Kerr golf trophy, made from a German 210 mm mortar shell. Engraved inscription ''Ivo W. Kerr golf trophy, Commonwealth Institute of Accountants. This German Howitzer shell case was gathered by the donor on Mont St.…

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, one dated…

French WWI Brass Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, one dated 1918, approx 32 cm high (2)

Pair of large French World War I trench Art vases decorated…

French WWI Trench Art Vases with Water Birds (Pair)

Pair of large French World War I trench Art vases decorated with water birds. 50 cm high (2)

Pair of World War I trench Art vases, with fitted wooden bases,…

WWI Trench Art Vases with Wooden Bases

Pair of World War I trench Art vases, with fitted wooden bases, approx 39.5 cm high

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, each approx…

French WWI Brass Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, each approx 31 cm high (2)

Pair of French brass trench art vases, each approx 29 cm high…

French Brass Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French brass trench art vases, each approx 29 cm high (2)

Pair of French brass trench art vases with Liondarras 1919,…

French Brass Trench Art Vases with Liondarras 1919 (Pair)

Pair of French brass trench art vases with Liondarras 1919, each approx 29 cm high (2)

Pair of World War I trench art vases, each approx 35 cm high (2)

WWI Trench Art Vases - Pair

Pair of World War I trench art vases, each approx 35 cm high (2)

Two vintage whistles, a Hudsons & Sons 'Trench Whistle' and 'A…

Vintage Whistles: Hudsons & Sons and Acm Thunder

Two vintage whistles, a Hudsons & Sons 'Trench Whistle' and 'A cme Thunder

Pair of World War I era brass trench art vases, with fitted…

Brass Trench Art Vases with Timber Bases

Pair of World War I era brass trench art vases, with fitted timber bases, 39.5 cm high

Pair of French World War II trench Art brass vases, each approx…

French WWII Brass Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War II trench Art brass vases, each approx 29 cm high (2)

Pair of French World War I trench Art vases & a smaller pot,…

French WWI Trench Art Vases and Pot Set

Pair of French World War I trench Art vases & a smaller pot, approx 23 cm high & shorter (3)

Pair of World War I French trench art brass vases, one with…

WWI French Trench Art Brass Vases - Verdun & Lorraine

Pair of World War I French trench art brass vases, one with Verdun and the other Lorraine, each approx 23 cm high (2)

South Africa: a Boer war trench art token, featuring president…

Boer War Trench Art Token with President Kruger

South Africa: a Boer war trench art token, featuring president Kruger with a bushmen's hat, pipe and collar, on a 1894 South African shilling, 1899-1902.

World War I era trench art lidded box, with engraved decoration,…

Engraved Trench Art Box with Lid

World War I era trench art lidded box, with engraved decoration, 15 cm high approx.

Three World War I trench art shell casings, with intricate…

Middle Eastern Trench Art Shell Casings

Three World War I trench art shell casings, with intricate Middle Eastern decoration

Pair of World War I Trench art vases, one embossed 'Verdun' (2)

Verdun Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of World War I Trench art vases, one embossed 'Verdun' (2)

A German World War I trench art cigarette lighter made from a…

Belt Buckle Cigarette Lighter: German Trench Art

A German World War I trench art cigarette lighter made from a military belt buckle. 5 cm

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, each approx…

French WWI Brass Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, each approx 28 cm high (2)

Pair of French brass trench art vases, with twisted base and…

French Brass Trench Art Vases, Reims Stamped, 35cm High

Pair of French brass trench art vases, with twisted base and stamped Reims, each 35 cm high

Two World War I brass shells converted into three legged tables…

WWI Brass Shell Tables with Drawers

Two World War I brass shells converted into three legged tables with drawers, approx 13 cm high & 12 cm high (2)

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, each approx…

French WWI Brass Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases, each approx 37 cm high (2)

Pair of World War I French brass trench art vases with VERDUN…

French Trench Art Vases with War Relief and Floral Design

Pair of World War I French brass trench art vases with VERDUN and SOMME in relief and floral decoration, approx 30 cm high (2)

Pair of French World War I trench Art vases, each approx 34 cm…

French WWI Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War I trench Art vases, each approx 34 cm high (2)

Pair of German World War I trench art frames made from bullets,…

German WWI Bullet Trench Art Frames (10 words)

Pair of German World War I trench art frames made from bullets, approx 16 cm high

Pair of large French World War I trench Art vases, approx 38 cm…

French WWI Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of large French World War I trench Art vases, approx 38 cm high

South Africa: a Boer war trench art token, featuring president…

Boer War Trench Art Token with President Kruger

South Africa: a Boer war trench art token, featuring president Kruger with a top hat and pipe, on a 1892 South African two 1/2 shillings coin, 1899-1902.

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases decorated…

French WWI brass Fleur de Lis vases (pair)

Pair of French World War I brass trench art vases decorated with Fleur de Lis & lattice work. 35 cm high (2)

Pair of French trench Art vases, dated 1948, approx 32 cm high…

1948 French Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French trench Art vases, dated 1948, approx 32 cm high (2)

Five various World War II era trench art items (5)

WWII Trench Art Collection

Five various World War II era trench art items (5)

Pair of French World War I brass trench Art vases, one embossed…

French WWI Brass Trench Art Vases - Battle at Verdun

Pair of French World War I brass trench Art vases, one embossed Cote and the other 304, for the Battle at Verdun Cote 304, each approx 35 cm high (2)

Pair of French brass trench art vases, each approx 35 cm high…

French brass trench art vases (pair)

Pair of French brass trench art vases, each approx 35 cm high (2)

Pair of French World War I trench art vases, approx 35 cm high

French WWI Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of French World War I trench art vases, approx 35 cm high

Old Trench art brass ashtray, figural warship sitting on base…

Brass Warship Ashtray with Shell Base and Waves

Old Trench art brass ashtray, figural warship sitting on base of shell with waves

Two similar French World War I trench Art vases, approx. height…

WWI French Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Two similar French World War I trench Art vases, approx. height 34 cm (2)

Trench art World War II era kangaroo handled tankard, 17 cm high

WWII Kangaroo Tankard with Trench Art Handle

Trench art World War II era kangaroo handled tankard, 17 cm high

Pair of French World War I trench Art vases, approx 34 cm high

WWI Trench Art Vases - French Pair (34cm)

Pair of French World War I trench Art vases, approx 34 cm high

Pair of World War I French trench Art vases, approx 28 cm high…

WWI French Trench Art Vases (Pair)

Pair of World War I French trench Art vases, approx 28 cm high (2)

Pair of French World War I brass trench Art vases, Verdun…

WWI Brass Trench Art Vases, Verdun 1914-18 (Pair)

Pair of French World War I brass trench Art vases, Verdun 1914-18, approx 35 cm high (2)

Pair of French World War I brass trench Art vases decorated…

French WWI Brass Trench Art Vases with Floral Panel

Pair of French World War I brass trench Art vases decorated with a central panel of flowers, 29 cm high (2)