Bidspirit auction | WWII American Trench Art Shell

WWII American Trench Art Shell Lamp - A World War II trench art lamp constructed from repurposed military ordnance components, featuring a central body made from a 37mm shell casing with a dull silver-colored plated finish. The lamp is supported by a tripod base consisting of three.50 caliber cartridges soldered to the lower rim of the main casing. It is topped with a conical metal shade having a copper-toned exterior finish and a brass finial. The central casing is decorated with hand-engraved zigzag borders and commemorative inscriptions. The word ANZIO is engraved on the front face, while the names NAPLES and ROME are inscribed on the sides. A vertical inscription on the reverse reads TO MY WIFE MARIE FROM DICK. Above the base, a shield-shaped border contains a five-point star and the letters P.F.C. One of the supporting cartridges is engraved with the dates 1944-45. The base of the main casing features stamped characters reading 37MM M16, LOT 6-23141-86, and 1942. The bases of the supporting cartridges are stamped with the characters DM, 43, 4, and 2. An inverted manufacturer name on the electrical socket reads PAULDING followed by 250W 250V. The lamp is fitted with internal wiring and an external cord. Height to the top of the finial is approximately 17 inches. Height to the top of the shade is approximately 14.5 inches.