German Ottoman trench art shell from British occupation of Palestine

[Colt.45-94]

Unique trench art shell in my collection. I wasn't sure what national category to post it in as it covers a few.

 

A the shell is German made case either for a German 77mm or 75mm field gun (I'm not sure) A type in use by the Ottoman Trukish Forces.

 

Presumably the spent casing was taken as a trophy by a British tooper who took part in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. It is uniquely engraved with a drawing depicting the Christian legend of St. George slaying a dragon, along with text: "Souvenir of the British Occupation of Palestine, December 9th 1917".

 

The shell is also engraved with floral and geometric patterns. Typical of trench art shell casings.

[Colt.45-94]

Another similar shell in the collection of the Australian War Memorial Museum collection related to the Sinai-Palestine campaign.

 

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1274738

[Colt.45-94]

The Sinai-Palestine campaign lasted January, 1915 to October, 1918. The date of December 9th 1917, was the day The local Ottoman government and military forces in the city of Jerusalem surrendered to the British.

 

 I *think* it's a 77mm shell. For something like German 7.7 cm Feldkanone 96 neuer Art (7.7 cm FK 96 n.A.) Field Gun  

 

The outer shell case was made by the Polte Armament Works in Magdeburg, Germany in December 1916. It's marked "1" and "Sp406". The shell primer is marked "Fried. Krupp AG" and "12". 

[ScottG]

What a fantastic piece and not something you see everyday here in the States. A great piece of history from a little known portion of WWI.    Scott

[Colt.45-94]

On 3/10/2026 at 1:06 AM, ScottG said:

What a fantastic piece and not something you see everyday here in the States. A great piece of history from a little known portion of WWI.    Scott

Yes, I came across it at an antique market I frequent. Recognized it as something pretty unique.

[Proud Kraut]

Don´t know how I missed this. That´s a fantastic piece of trench art, thanks for sharing!

[Colt.45-94]

I think the religious tones of this piece are interest. The St. George engraving and the fact this item involves the territory of the "Holy Land" makes me think of that maybe the engraver was thinking of the Crusades?