i ve got a decorated shell case from amiens is there any where i can go to find out about what type of shell it it

Welcome to the forum scott,

Your decorated shell is considered trench art and was supposedly decorated by soldiers who had the skills in metalworking. Some of these were done during the First World War and others during and after the Second World War. You mention it is from Amiens, France. Is it marked Amiens? Many of these shell would have marking on the underside of the base encirling where the firing pin would have stuck the shell to fire it. You might want to contact a local shop that may recognize the caliber and shape of your shell and might be able to attibute it's origin and age.

Hope this helps. It would be nice to see images of your decorated shell.

Fred
(Moderator)

Scott

If you can post the inside diameter of the case opening and the length of the case I can check some resources I have. If you can do the measurements in metric or decimal english that would be the best. If not, I can covert it but it could affect the ID. Also, if you can describe the case shape (i.e. it straight or “bottle” shaped) that will help.
I have a 37mm shell case decorated and dated “Somne 1918” that I inherited. I believe it came from my great uncle. It is an interesting piece, sort of a soldier’s version of scrimshaw.

I've got one of these too, hard to say what the caliber is but it's ww1 vintage, I was a gunners mate in the Navy and know most sizes, mine is decorated with a rose motif and "AEF 1918" excellent work and a great patina. I've seen them bigger but never smaller than the one I have. The AEF stands for American Expeditionary Force by the way.

Dano

There was a thread in this forum previously about trench art and shell casing vases in particular. See
http://forum.arts-crafts.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886045532/m/9741019921