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Brass trench art letter opener comemorating the gruesome Battle of Verdun (Feb. 21–July, 1916), one of the most devastating engagements of World War I, in which the French repulsed a major German offensive. Dated 1916 bullet with applied british crown. Nicely balanced piece of military folk art that will stand vertically on the bullet’s base.

Trench Art has been around in one form or another for centuries, but reached its height of popularity during World War One and Two. Typically, these items are crafted out of bits and pieces of military leftovers, such as brass shell casings, aluminum canteens and mess kits, and occasionally wood or even plastic. Despite the name, few if any of these items were actually made in trenches. More often they were crafted in camps or in metal shops by servicemen with a little spare time. These soldier made pieces seem to represent a lesser portion of trench art, which most typically appears to be products of local artisans in war torn areas. With many cities and businesses reduced to ruins, making “trench art” souvenirs to sell to soldiers for hard money was a practical way for many locals to earn badly needed funds. Generally, the majority of the somewhat less refined pieces tend to be soldier made, though there were many well crafted examples made by servicemen as well. Trench art remains an interesting almost folk art like relic from past conflicts.

 

Date:  1916

 

Size:  7 1/2″ long

Condition:  Few minor scratches on back. Otherwise fine.

Price: $44

Shipping: $8