~ 1917 British 6 Pounder Trench Art Money Box ~
The piece reads on the front ‘Stanley Money Box 1918’ and is made of a 6 pounder 1917 dated brass shell case.
The 1917 British 6-pounder trench art money box is a unique artifact from World War I, created by soldiers or craftsmen using materials from the battlefield, particularly artillery shells or spent ammunition. Trench art refers to any decorative items made by soldiers, prisoners of war, or civilians from war-related materials during or after conflicts, often as a way to pass time, commemorate events, or preserve memories of the war.
Historical Background: 6-Pounder Artillery
The 6-pounder gun refers to a class of light artillery commonly used by British forces during World War I. The term “6-pounder” denotes the weight of the shell it fired, typically around 2.72 kg (6 pounds). The most common versions during WWI were naval guns or anti-tank guns, though earlier versions had been used in the late 19th century as field artillery.
6-pounder naval guns were used on warships but also saw service on land, particularly in coastal defense and trench warfare settings. Spent shell casings from these guns were frequently repurposed by soldiers in the trenches for creating trench art.
Trench Art: Origins and Purpose
Trench Art was a creative outlet for soldiers and civilians during times of conflict, allowing them to turn the horrors of war into something meaningful and artistic. Items like artillery shell casings, shrapnel, and bullets were commonly transformed into decorative objects, such as vases, ashtrays, picture frames, and money boxes.
For many soldiers, the process of creating trench art served as a way to cope with the stress and trauma of war, providing a sense of purpose and focus in an otherwise chaotic environment. Additionally, trench art often became souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home.
The 1917 British 6-Pounder Money Box: Features and Design
Material: The money box would have been made from a spent brass shell casing of a 6-pounder artillery round, which was typically 25 cm to 30 cm tall (10-12 inches). Brass was a durable and malleable material, making it a popular choice for trench art.
Design: The money box would have been hand-engraved or stamped with various designs, often commemorating specific battles, dates, or symbols related to the soldier’s unit or service. These engravings could include patriotic motifs such as flags, military crests, or regimental insignia, as well as more personal symbols like a soldier’s initials or messages to family.
Slot for Coins: The top of the shell casing would have been modified to include a slot for coins, converting it into a functional money box. This allowed soldiers or their families to use the item as a savings bank.
Base: The bottom of the shell casing typically retained its original markings, including the caliber, manufacturer’s stamp, and date of production (in this case, 1917). These markings help authenticate the origin of the shell and the trench art piece.
Significance
Memorialization: Trench art pieces like the 6-pounder money box serve as a memorial to the war and the soldiers who fought in it. They transform objects of destruction into objects of remembrance, making them important symbols of both the hardships and resilience of the soldiers.
Commemoration of Service: The year 1917 was a crucial period in World War I, marked by significant battles such as Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) and the Battle of Cambrai. Soldiers who fought in these battles may have crafted or commissioned trench art to commemorate their experiences and the roles they played in these monumental events.
Art as Therapy: For many soldiers, crafting trench art was a way to cope with the trauma of war, providing a creative outlet during long periods of boredom or anxiety in the trenches. The act of creating something from the remnants of war allowed them to process their experiences in a tangible way.
Functional Souvenirs: Money boxes, in particular, represent a fusion of art and functionality. Soldiers often sent these items back to their families as keepsakes, allowing their loved ones to have a practical yet symbolic connection to the war.
War Souvenirs and Commercialization: After World War I, many trench art pieces became commercially popular. Surplus shell casings were sold to craftsmen who created trench art for public sale. While some pieces were made by soldiers themselves, many were created by artisans or prisoners of war and sold as souvenirs, often with inscriptions commemorating particular battles or military units.