*Imperial German, WWI, Trench Art Paperweight made from 7.92mm Mauser M.88 Cartridges (RWS Nürnberg)*
An original piece of First World War trench art, fashioned from two original 7.92mm Mauser M/88 rifle cartridges mounted in parallel on a hammered brass plate. The shells are flanked by four additional bullets at each end, creating a striking industrial and symmetrical design reminiscent of a stylised hinge or mechanical motif. The base plate is of solid brass with visible hammer marks and light hand-finishing, characteristic of workshop or battlefield improvisation by servicemen during the war.
The headstamp clearly reads “R.W.S. N 8 mm M.88”, identifying the cartridges as manufactured by Rheinisch-Westfälische Sprengstoff-Fabriken, Nürnberg, one of Imperial Germany’s principal ammunition suppliers during the Great War.
Such objects were commonly produced by soldiers, prisoners of war, or post-war artisans using spent ordnance as material for functional or decorative keepsakes — in this case, likely intended as a paperweight or small desktop ornament.
Measurements. Base: approx. 12 cm x 7 cm x 0.9 cm. Total height: 4 cm
Historical Note:
The 7.92×57mm M/88 cartridge was introduced in 1888 with the German Gewehr 88 “Commission Rifle” and remained in use through the First World War, before being superseded by the S-Patrone (1905 pattern). The use of these particular cases indicates early-war ammunition stock or battlefield salvage. Trench art of this type was often produced from shell casings and bullets collected from the Western Front, especially by soldiers during periods of rest or convalescence.
Objects like this symbolised both the destructive power of the war and the ingenuity of the men who endured it, transforming instruments of war into symbols of remembrance or utility.
*Condition*
Good original condition with mellow age patina, scattered verdigris spots, and light tarnish consistent with age. Some unevenness to the hammered brass plate and solder joins, typical of hand-made wartime examples. No damage or repairs affecting stability. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMCOXEO_4244217480
