RESERVED French Military WW1 Army Trench Art Crucifix

Code: RC103

Dimensions:

RESERVED for Mark

Exceptional Trench Art - French Military WW1 Army Trench Art Crucifix - The Great War Trench Art - Verdun Crucifix - RC130

An exceptional piece of Trench Art, made during World War One by a French Soldier present at the Battle of Verdun in France. The battle was fought in 1916; the longest battle recorded during the First World War. This Trench Art souvenir has been made using  spent rifle casings and a symbol of Christ on the Cross. A brass scroll with the name 'Verdun' has been aded together with a little brass plaque bearing the coat of arms for the town. A moving piece of religious art, it has been made with a great deal of attention under the most difficult of conditions, no doubt giving comfort and protection during extremely adverse times. The little 'Verdun' symbol will have been acquired while in the area of the town.

The spent casings are made of brass as is the Corpus Christi and the plaques. Fortunately, this is a material that is quite 'soft' and can be manipulated. The rounded base of the Cross was probably part of a larger shell and has a few dents in it, evidence of close contact with the owner. The Corpus in particular is well worn where it has been rubbed showing how important a devotional item it was. The Corpus has been attached by a single brass pin; we surmise that no other pins were available at the time and the image has been carefully shaped against the body of the casings. The Body of Christ seems to have a higher Copper content in the brass than the rifle casings as it has a slightly darker colour. 

The cross is 6" or 15cm in height and 3.25" or just over 8cm wide. The depth is about 1.75" or 4cm.  Sadly, the tiny right hand is missing, though there is no evidence of it ever having been attached so this is most likely the condition it was in when the crucifix was made. The Face of Christ is quite worn, from constant rubbing.  A very moving little item, carrying a silent story. 

Your purchase will be very carefully packaged and despatched via the Irish An Post postal service or reputable courier service.  
                              THE PRICE INCLUDES TRACKED DELIVERY.