Inert Mortar Round Trench Art or Souvenir
Militaria, Trench Art, Sculpture • Unknown; likely military ordnance manufacture or repurposed by a soldier/craftsman
Style & Movement
Industrial Art, Trench Art, Outsider Art
Medium & Technique
Metal (likely steel or aluminum alloys); Chrome-plated or polished finish, machined assembly
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (likely post-WWII or early Cold War era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-10 inches in height; cylindrical, vertical format
Subject Description
A non-functional, inert mortar round featuring a polished chrome body, a dark oxide or bakelite-style nose fuse section, and a vented tail fin assembly. The object represents destructive military technology repurposed as a domestic curiosity or commemorative object.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible surface scratching, pitting in the chrome finish, and oxidation on the tail fins.
Estimated Market Value
$75 - $200 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; typically acquired via military service, surplus sales, or as battlefield souvenirs. Likely held in private collections as a conversation piece.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 'Trench Art' tradition where military materials are decontextualized into aesthetic objects, reflecting the intersection of industrial warfare and personal memory.
Notable Features
High-shine chrome finish contrasting with the utilitarian tail fins; appears to be an inert training round or a decommissioned shell converted for display.
Condition Issues
Surface abrasions, minor tarnishing, and corrosion near the tail assembly; loss of plating in small areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a moisture-controlled environment to prevent further rust; clean with a non-abrasive microfiber cloth and apply a light coat of microcrystalline wax.