*German, WWII, Trench Art Desk Paperweight – Miniature Shell on Base*
A substantial and unusual piece of wartime-era trench art, comprising a machined miniature artillery shell mounted to a heavy rectangular metal plinth. The shell features two copper driving bands and a small drilled opening at the tip — consistent with an inert display or presentation example rather than a functioning ordnance component.
A Wehrmacht-style eagle is mounted to the front of the base, indicating German wartime origin. The construction and materials strongly suggest this was produced during the war as a souvenir or presentation-style piece, likely workshop-made by artillery or munitions personnel. The underside retains its original screw fixings.
The piece shows age and oxidation throughout — particularly to the plated finish of the base — consistent with decades of handling and storage. The construction is entirely metal and notably weighty in hand.
Measurements & Weight: Base: approx. 11.7 cm x 5.4 cm. Total height: 4 cm. Weight: approx. 1 lb 12 oz (just over 780 g)
History Note
During the Second World War, soldiers and factory personnel frequently fashioned decorative or practical objects from surplus or scrap ordnance components — a long-standing tradition known as “trench art.” In Germany, miniature shells and presentation pieces were often made in artillery workshops or naval armament depots, sometimes incorporating national insignia to commemorate service or production milestones. These items were typically kept as desk ornaments, paperweights, or gifts for officers and technical staff, reflecting pride in the unit or weapons they produced. This example — combining a miniature projectile form with the German eagle device — fits well within that context of personal memento and frontline craftsmanship from the Third Reich era.
*Condition*
Plated surface with widespread tarnish and rust spotting, small marks and scratches from service/age, and a drilled hole through the projectile nose. Securely mounted and stable. No repairs noted. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMABOXAGE_8372218081
