WWI German Patriotic Brooch with Iron Cross and Oak Leaves, Trench-Art Style

A beautifully made World War I patriotic brooch in gilded brass, crafted to resemble a curved fragment of shell casing—its surface hand-textured to mimic the torn ridges of battle-worn metal. Centered upon the bar is a finely detailed miniature Iron Cross in silvered finish, flanked by two applied oak leaves symbolizing strength and endurance. The reverse retains its long pin and C-catch assembly, typical of home-front and trench-art adornments circa 1915–1917.

The pairing of the Iron Cross and oak leaf was among the most recognizable emblems of Imperial German valor. Such brooches were produced by small workshops and relief organizations throughout the German states during the Great War, often from repurposed brass salvaged from artillery shell fragments. They were purchased or gifted as patriotic jewelry to honor the service of sons, husbands, or sweethearts at the front. The sculpted texture and warm gilded tone of this example suggest a soldier-made or small artisan origin rather than factory production—each one subtly unique, a tangible reflection of personal devotion and national pride.

The piece remains in very good condition, showing age-consistent patina with light rubbing to the high points of the Iron Cross and minor softening to the gilded finish. The reverse is clean and structurally sound with full pin intact. An attractive and historically meaningful example of WWI trench-art jewelry, embodying the artistry and sentiment of Germany’s wartime generation.