DATE: World War 1, c.1916

A WW1 era 'Trench Art' signet ring crafted from the aluminium nose cone of a German artillery shell. It commemorates the Battle of Loos (1915) on the Westen Front, where the French and British tried to break through the German defences in Artois and Champagne and restore a war of movement. The battle was costly for both sides - although the British suffered around twice as many casualties as the Germans - and sadly it accomplished very little.

Pieces like this would have been made by recuperating soldiers as they took time away from the front lines, working with what they had to hand. The level of craftsmanship is often nothing short of remarkable given the circumstances.

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 1.3 x 1.2cm

Width of band: 4.7mm

WEIGHT 

2.9g

MARKS 

No marks present

CONDITION 

Very good