Description
This is a rare and authentic pair of World War I trench art shell casings crafted from brass, each measuring approximately 3 1/8 inches tall by 1 1/8 inches wide. These miniature artillery-style souvenirs feature raised crest designs with a crown at the top, the word “Verdun” prominently displayed, and a depiction of a fortified structure – likely referencing the historic Citadel of Verdun.
Beneath each crest is a separate inscribed banner: one reads “Verdun,” while the other reads “Sud France.” This suggests they were either created as a symbolic set or collected from two related designs honoring different aspects of the war experience – the Verdun battlefield and Southern France’s role in the war effort.
Both casings are in very good condition with light wear and minor dents consistent with age, adding to their character and authenticity. The level of detail and preservation makes these excellent examples of WWI-era trench art, produced either by soldiers or local craftsmen as commemorative keepsakes.
Items like this are highly collectible for their historical value, regional specificity, and tangible connection to one of the most important battles of the First World War. This matched pair would be a standout in any collection of militaria or early 20th-century war memorabilia.
