SUBJECT:
This is a rare World War I decorated “trench art” shell from the United States Air Service 25th Aero Squadron. Known as “The Executioners”, the 25th was stationed in France for a few weeks before being equipped with any airplanes. They finally received some Royal Air Force S. E. 5s and completed one mission on the day before the Armistice was signed (November 11, 1918). On one side, the shell has an engraved likeness of the squadron’s mascot, a masked axe-yielding executioner, who was approved as the 25th’s emblem in 1924.
VINTAGE:
Circa World War I.
SIZE:
Approximately 13-1/4” in height and 3-3/8” in diameter (at base).
CONSTRUCTION/MATERIALS:
.
ATTACHMENT:
None.
MARKINGS:
75 DEC M.G.M. 443L.18 BX on bottom.
ITEM NOTES:
This is from a trench art collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VACEX08 LEGEX12/11
CONDITION:
7 (Very Fine): The shell has a handsome overall tarnish with some small dents and a piece of the lip missing.
GUARANTEE:
As with all my items, this piece is guaranteed original.
