Great WWI (1917) German Artillery Shell Trench Art with Iron Cross Design

This is a great World War I (circa 1917) example of artillery shell trench art with an Iron Cross design on one side and what seems to be a smiley face (Arty The German Trench Art Shell) on the other. All signs pointing toward the shell being of German construction: yhere was a strong German fascination with the rifling marks on the copper Driving Band of an artillery projectile, and they are reproduced here in an odd fashion around the body of the shell and again in the correct placement on the artillery projectile (Arty's nose). Arty's eyes may represent exploding projectiles, and the decorative rifling of the "driving band" make up Arty's smile. The shell is dated April 1917 on the bottom.

Circa April 1917 (World War I).

Approximately 9" in height and 3-5/8" in diameter (at bottom).

Brass.

None.

SI 279 POLTE APRIL 1917 MAGUEBURG SP406 on bottom.

This is from an Imperial Germany collection that we will be listing more of over the next few months. MFJX13 LAHEX1/14 SAEJX3/14

7+ (Very Fine+): The shell has some light wear.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.