Size: 9 x 3.5 inches

Opening: Long Rectangle

Color: Black

- Limited Edition out of 18

History:

During the outbreak of World War I trench warfare dominated the battlefield. The tactics and strategies used by both opposing sides raised a new level of importance for the use of artillery on the battlefield. As a result, over the course of the war, major improvements were developed in artillery warfare. Not only were the designs of the artillery cannons improved, but they now carried larger high explosive shells that could be shot with a much faster rate to fire. Enemies in trenches near and far were no longer safe as constant barrages of artillery could now be fired upon at a rate of several rounds per minute for hours. Soon to become known as artillery barrages soldiers didn't need to "go ‘over the top’ in order to face danger. The impact of artillery shells caused trenches to implode and bury soldiers and their equipment, as well as timed fuzes set to explode while the shell is in the air, projecting deadly fragments of lead balls and shell casing onto the soldiers below. Explosions such as these created a rapid movement for the development of new helmets and headgear to protect front line soldiers against the deadly effects of shrapnel. While the helmets did not protect soldiers from artillery fragments completely, it offered a sense of protection and some safety as these deadly fragments rain down upon them.

These WWI artillery shrapnel balls was were dug and excavated from a World War I battlefield. While it is almost impossible to tell what specific millimeter artillery shell casing these ball fragments were exploded out of we do know details about the number of ball fragments that were contained in each shell round. The 75mm shrapnel projectiles contained around 270 lead balls, each about a half-inch in diameter, in a smoke-producing matrix. The 155mm shrapnel packed a lethal load of 800 balls. As the time fuze exploded at its designated height, it created a shotgun effect firing these shrapnel balls outward in all directions to inflict massive damage on the enemy below.

Your verified 100% authentic relics will come with:

• Two battlefield dug and excavated explored artillery shrapnel balls .

• One ready to frame and display clear museum-style floating case with a display stand.

• Certificate of Authenticity with research and information on your relic.

• 2 day USPS tracked shipping.

* Please note, because these are authentic artifacts, each piece will vary slightly and be unique. The piece you receive will be of similar size and style to the one photographed.