WW1 Trench Art shell from Damascus

These trench art shells with copper and silver inlays of Arabic verse (usually from the Koran, but I have not have this translated yet) are highly prized among trench art collectors.

I have been collecting for over 30 years and have never had an opportunity to purchase an affordable example.

My luck just changed!

This particular shell stands about 20" tall and about 4.25" diameter. The base is marked by the maker: "Polte, Magdeberg" for the Krupp Company and it is dated "JUL, 1917".

Many of these type of shells are known to have been made in Damascus, Syria, but I believe there were other makers in the Middle East. The workmanship is amazing. The ability to work with the copper and silver on the brass was truly fine art among these gifted craftsman. This type of shell decoration continued well after the end of the War.

Reproduction of these images in any form is not authorized.

Scott