Antique WWI French Trench Art Ring with Cross of Lorraine

Antique 1910s WWI French trench art soldier’s ring

This unique ring was handmade by a French soldier during the Great War. Crafted from aluminum, likely taken from the fuse of an enemy shell, it features a charming naive design with a brass Cross of Lorraine set into the center. During the First World War, this double cross stood for the region of Lorraine and for France’s hope of recovering Alsace-Lorraine.

To cope with the relentless stress and monotony of the war, soldiers often turned to creativity, transforming remnants of the battlefield into expressive handmade objects. Today known as trench art, these pieces were made in and behind the trenches from discarded military materials such as shell casings, fuses, bullets and other metal fragments. Working with only simple tools, soldiers relied on ingenuity and patience, giving each object a raw and deeply human character.

This historic artifact carries a strong sense of the past and would make a striking addition to a collection of First World War memorabilia or your personal jewelry collection.

After more than a century, the ring remains in good antique condition, showing authentic signs of age and use. Over time, it has developed an oxidized patina that enhances its historic character.

Measurements:
Ring size: US 7.5 / EU 56 (inner diameter 0.70 in / 17.7 mm)

Product code: #02327-26-X