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Decorated shell casings are a main focus of interest among many collectors of trench art. Casings from artillery shells of several different calibers casings for the standard artillery field pieces: the French and American 75mm, German 77mm, or British 18 pounder guns and the larger 105mm, 155mm and 210mm artillery pieces] and several sizes of naval shells [1pdr, 3pdr, 6pdr] were the most common ones used for making this kind of trench art.
Many of the 75m and 77mm shells were sent or brought home for use as flower vases. The decorative work on these pieces varies widely from crudely ‘punched’ designs made by amateur soldier-artists to elaborately embossed and engraved pieces made by skilled soldier or civilian artisans. Popular themes included floral designs, animals, patriotic figures, unit identifications, battles and various military images such as aeroplanes, tanks, and artillery pieces. Other shells bear personal inscriptions to loved ones. Some give detailed accounts of a soldier’s service. The smaller 37mm shell casings were used to produce many of the same decorative effects. They fitted easily into a pocket or kit bag and were much more ‘transportable’ than the larger shells.
The picture below is actual picture of the shell casing I have. Trench Art of the Great War
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