An extraordinary piece of early 20th-century American trench art, this bronze bank was crafted from a spent artillery shell casing—transformed from a tool of destruction into an object of quiet beauty. Trench art refers to the practice of creating decorative or functional items from salvaged military materials, often by soldiers or civilians looking to bring a touch of humanity to an inhuman moment. This example features a fitted lid topped with a satisfyingly weighty knob, its surface knurled for grip and presence. The patina is perfect—deep, warm, and earned—giving the piece a timeless appeal that belies its origins. There’s something deeply moving about its form: simple, solid, and entirely reimagined. Whether used to hold coins, cufflinks, or simply admiration, it’s a vessel that honors the power of making something meaningful out of what’s been left behind. A small, soulful triumph of transformation.

6 in. DIA x 11 in. H