#90 • WWI US Trench Art Shell: ARGONNE With 27th Division Soldier's Letter Home

Part of TRENCH ART & WWI Memorabilia (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $190.00

Status: Sold

Category: United States

WWI US Trench Art Shell: ARGONNE With Letter Home. 75mm shell casing stands 30.5cm tall with drawn, fluted base, crenelated top edge, and raised relief "ARGONNE 1918" inscription with floral motif against a pattern embossed background.  The interior held a small, happy surprise - a 10cm x 18.5cm document printed with song lyrics on the obverse ("Democracy Forever - Words of 105th U.S. Infantry March Song"), and is inscribed in pencil on the reverse:  "The two small one[s] [inside?] are one pound shells. This large one looks fine when polished. I couldn't get enough emery paper to finish it and we may move from here so well and it might [get away?]. If you don't want it give it away. It came from the Argonne front, every burden [was?] on them to carry and send them home. From your France April 21, 1919 William" Estimate: $100 - $150