Spear holder - howitzer trench art

Bill M · 14th January 2009, 03:28 AM

Just got this piece of trench art at a local antiques fair. It is made from a howitzer shell. about 6 inches in diameter and the shell itself is about 24" long.

The base is solid brass or bronze. Very heavy. Just the thing to display some of my spears. Most of the spears you see are from Papua New Guinea. They are about nine feet long or more.

I had them more evenly arranged until I pulled it out for photos.

Maybe we could have some pictures of interesting displays that other Forum members have?

Gavin Nugent · 14th January 2009, 06:24 AM

G'day Bill,

Another nice item for the Marsh museum, be careful though, I too have an old shell that size and it was unstable with weapons half that length, I'd hate to see it crash down on some other treasures you may be hiding, though the added legs seem like they add some stability to it. My old shell just holds antique walking and sword canes now.

I am currently reviving an old Chinese cupboard, reducing the width as parts of it were so far gone, the cupboard will house my swords within and the Hudiedao collection on the inside of doors when all is complete.

Gav

Bill M · 14th January 2009, 11:39 AM

Howdy Gav,

The big heavy brass plate and legs offer a very secure stable platform. As you can see in the pictures, several of my heavy wooden spears have shifted to the left and it is still solid.

Would like to see your cupboard when you get it ready.

Tim Simmons · 14th January 2009, 12:46 PM

Hard not to see the rather stunning Kudu head. I have a kudu horn trumpet. No idea if it is old or not but still looks cool with some weapons. Get the blow right and it makes a great sound. They were used to raise alarm call to arms as well as other calls. I have a feeling the axe here may be a throwing axe.

katana · 14th January 2009, 01:53 PM

Hi Bill,
".............." (speachless)

Wonderful decor.......

In extreme envy

David

.

Atlantia · 14th January 2009, 08:55 PM

Hi Bill,
Not a fan of the Kudu, but the room is pretty darn amazing!
What a great use for your Shell stand for spears too! I also would worry that it might topple though, do you normally have it in a corner?
The quality of the stand is much better than the norm as well which is nice, love the heavy tripod legs! Have you looked to see if any of the other parts are reuses and id'd them? Is there a date on the underside of the shell?
Is the central part another shell case? I wondered if the round plate was a reused inspection cover or similar because of the bolts?

Regards
Gene

P.S. Who does the dusting?

14th January 2009, 03:28 AM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Spear holder - howitzer trench art Just got this piece of trench art at a local antiques fair. It is made from a howitzer shell. about 6 inches in diameter and the shell itself is about 24" long. The base is solid brass or bronze. Very heavy. Just the thing to display some of my spears. Most of the spears you see are from Papua New Guinea. They are about nine feet long or more. I had them more evenly arranged until I pulled it out for photos. Maybe we could have some pictures of interesting displays that other Forum members have? Attached Images

14th January 2009, 06:24 AM	#2
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Careful Bill G'day Bill, Another nice item for the Marsh museum, be careful though, I too have an old shell that size and it was unstable with weapons half that length, I'd hate to see it crash down on some other treasures you may be hiding, though the added legs seem like they add some stability to it. My old shell just holds antique walking and sword canes now. I am currently reviving an old Chinese cupboard, reducing the width as parts of it were so far gone, the cupboard will house my swords within and the Hudiedao collection on the inside of doors when all is complete. Gav

14th January 2009, 12:46 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	A call to arms. Hard not to see the rather stunning Kudu head. I have a kudu horn trumpet. No idea if it is old or not but still looks cool with some weapons. Get the blow right and it makes a great sound. They were used to raise alarm call to arms as well as other calls. I have a feeling the axe here may be a throwing axe. Attached Images

14th January 2009, 01:53 PM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Bill, ".............." (speachless) Wonderful decor....... In extreme envy David . Attached Images

14th January 2009, 11:39 AM	#3
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Howdy Gav, The big heavy brass plate and legs offer a very secure stable platform. As you can see in the pictures, several of my heavy wooden spears have shifted to the left and it is still solid. Would like to see your cupboard when you get it ready.

14th January 2009, 08:55 PM	#6
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Hi Bill, Not a fan of the Kudu, but the room is pretty darn amazing! What a great use for your Shell stand for spears too! I also would worry that it might topple though, do you normally have it in a corner? The quality of the stand is much better than the norm as well which is nice, love the heavy tripod legs! Have you looked to see if any of the other parts are reuses and id'd them? Is there a date on the underside of the shell? Is the central part another shell case? I wondered if the round plate was a reused inspection cover or similar because of the bolts? Regards Gene P.S. Who does the dusting?