Artillery Shell Band Souvenir – Verdun 1916 Carved Oak Mount

A powerful battlefield relic from the cataclysmic Battle of Verdun, this artillery shell band has been preserved and mounted on a hand-carved oak plaque dated 1916. A raw, tactile reminder of the most grueling front of World War I, this piece is both a poignant keepsake and a rare original trench-art memorial.

Historical Context

The Battle of Verdun (February–December 1916) was the longest single battle of World War I, fought between French and German forces in northeastern France. It became a symbol of French national endurance and one of the most devastating engagements of the war, with over 700,000 casualties. Artillery defined Verdun—over 40 million shells were fired during the battle, reshaping the landscape and producing an unimaginable volume of wartime debris.

Shell bands—steel rings that once held artillery shells together within their casing—were often recovered from the battlefield and transformed into commemorative artifacts by soldiers or local craftsmen. This piece, clearly marked "Verdun 1916" in gothic script, likely commemorated a soldier’s survival or memorialized a fallen comrade. The mounting on oak, carefully stained and inscribed, suggests this was not a casual souvenir, but a reverent piece of remembrance.

Physical Description

• Artifact: Original steel artillery shell band (inner diameter approx. 5 inches)

• Mounting: Solid oak plaque, beveled edges, hand-finished

• Dimensions: Approximately 8 x 8 inches

• Inscription: “Verdun 1916” deeply carved in Fraktur-style Gothic lettering

• Finish: Stained oak with burnished accents, aged patina visible on both wood and metal

• Mounting Type: Old-style nail and loop wire reinforcement (visible on reverse)

Condition

Excellent overall condition for a 100+ year-old battlefield relic. The steel ring shows stable oxidation consistent with age but retains structural integrity. The oak plaque exhibits light handling wear, edge toning, and historical finish darkening. Carving remains clear and well-defined. Reverse nails are secure but slightly lifted from age and shrinkage.

Provenance

This item originates from a private U.S. collection of World War I battlefield memorabilia, likely acquired through French estate or surplus channels. It was not mass-produced, making it a unique and evocative example of period trench or veteran folk art.