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World War II Trench Art

World War II was fought in a rapid, constantly moving manner driven by the technology at the time. There was little trench warfare outside of defensive positions; however, the term trench art generally applies to any art made by soldiers fighting in a war. One of the facts of life in a war is that soldiers live a life of long stretches of boredom punctuated by swift moments of violence. This leaves soldiers with idle hands, and the artistically-minded put them to good use.

World War II trench art varies among the different campaigns, soldiers, and military branches. World War II trench art includes drawings, paintings, and engravings, as well as hand-crafted metal statues and decorated cannon shells.


Quick Facts

  • Trench art was often made by wounded soldiers, as doctors would encourage soldiers to create to aid in the recovery process
  • One popular form of trench art was knitting because soldiers could make something as practical as it is artistic
  • POWs on both sides of the war would often create art they could trade for food, money, and privileges

Recommended Items at Auction

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WW2 Australian trench art carved coconuts from Labuan (Malaya) 1945
Jun 25, 9:00 AM AWST
WW2 Australian trench art carved coconuts from Labuan (Malaya) 1945
by JB Military Antiques
Est: AUD40- AUD60
AUD202 Bids
GERMAN TRENCH ART SHOT GLASS SET
Jun 15, 10:00 AM EDT
GERMAN TRENCH ART SHOT GLASS SET
by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Est: $300- $400
$1601 Bid
(4) FRENCH WWI & WWII ERA TRENCH ART SHELL VASES
Jun 10, 10:00 AM CDT
(4) FRENCH WWI & WWII ERA TRENCH ART SHELL VASES
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $200- $400
$1500 Bids
2)FRENCH WWII-ERA TRENCH ART ARTILLERY SHELL VASES
Jun 10, 10:00 AM CDT
2)FRENCH WWII-ERA TRENCH ART ARTILLERY SHELL VASES
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $150- $300
$1000 Bids
WWII Trench Art Brass Engraved North African Tankard, circa 1943
Jul 01, 9:30 AM EDT
WWII Trench Art Brass Engraved North African Tankard, circa 1943
by Rafael Osona Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids
WORLD WAR II TRENCH ART ASH TRAY MADE OUT OF AN OLD ARTILLARY SHELL
Jun 15, 3:00 PM EDT
WORLD WAR II TRENCH ART ASH TRAY MADE OUT OF AN OLD ARTILLARY SHELL
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$250 Bids

Sellers Who Sell World War II Trench Art


Austin Auction Gallery

Austin Auction Gallery

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

Rafael Osona Auctions

Rafael Osona Auctions

Legacies Old & New, Inc.

Legacies Old & New, Inc.