WW1 British 18-Pounder Brass Shell Case Trench Art Plaque – Somme 1916

This unusual and historically significant WW1 British brass 18-pounder shell, dated 1916, has been halved and mounted on a wooden plaque as a powerful reminder of the Battle of the Somme and the First World War. The wooden plaque is engraved “From the Battlefields of the Somme 1914–1918,” making it a deeply evocative piece of remembrance décor and authentic military history.

This genuine trench art piece was sourced from a traditional market in the Somme region of France, close to where the original battles took place. The shell casing was later mounted and signed in 1980 by a French craftsman, whose signature appears on the back. Ideal for displaying dried flowers, remembrance poppies, or simply as a collector’s wall display, it carries both historical weight and decorative presence.

Key Features

• Authentic WW1 British brass 18-pounder shell casing
• Dated 1916, First World War period
• Halved and mounted on a wooden display plaque
• Plaque engraved: “From the Battlefields of the Somme 1914–1918”
• Later mounted and signed on the reverse by a French craftsman in 1980
• Sourced from a traditional market in the Somme region of France
• Genuine trench art / remembrance display piece
• Ideal for dried flowers, remembrance poppies, or wall display
• Solid and historically significant decorative artefact
• Good vintage condition with age-related dents, marks, and patina

Dimensions

• Height of mount: 40cm
• Width: 16.5cm
• Unpacked weight: 1.15kg

Perfect for

• WW1 militaria collectors
• Battle of the Somme remembrance displays
• Remembrance poppies or dried flower arrangements
• Military history enthusiasts
• Trench art collectors
• A meaningful gift for a collector of First World War history

Discover more

Over 300 handpicked vintage French homewares and garden finds are available on our website.
Browse our full collection at:
www.allthingsfrenchstore.com

Shipping

Free UK mainland delivery including Highlands and Islands. Dispatched via Royal Mail 48 with full tracking; orders sent next working day (Friday orders ship Monday). We reuse packaging where possible as part of our environmental ethos.

Condition & authenticity

Good, solid vintage condition with light dents, marks, and surface wear consistent with age and use. This is an authentic historical decorative artefact over 100 years old, sourced from the Somme region of France. It is sold as an inert decorative trench art and remembrance display piece only.

Each piece in our collection is hand-sourced from French brocante markets and reflects the craftsmanship and history of France. As with all genuine vintage and antique items, this shell shows signs of its long life and story — imperfections that enhance its authenticity and character.