A mixed metals, two piece, cocktail shaker in the form of an artillery shell. This fabulous and very rare piece is an example of a figurative cocktail shaker. Today we take for granted pieces of barware in novel shapes and forms. However, when this piece was made in the early part of the twentieth century items like this were unheard of. The golf bag cocktail set, which comprised of shot cups, tray and matching shaker is attributed as being the very first figural cocktail shaker made. This was made in America in 1926. This shaker, however, is believed to have been produced shortly after the end of the First World War, in 1918, pre-dating this golf bag shaker.

Perhaps the most important book written on the subject of cocktail shakers, and barware is by author Stephen Visakay, titled;"Vintage Bar Ware: Identification & Value Guide, Paducah, Kentucky, 1997,". This model cocktail shaker appears on page 113.

The outbreak of World War One in 1914 marked a strange time in world history. The belief was held that the Allied armies would wipe the Austro-Hungarian and German war effort off the face of the map in no time at all. After four years of the worst, most hideous conflict the world had ever seen finally the guns fell quiet. The result of which left millions of lives across the world altered forever. Some marked their time in conflict by making pieces to remember and to honour. This art form was known as "Trench Art". The belief that the majority of it was made in the down time of serving soldiers and airmen is not totally true. Although some of the pieces found today were made by the hands of soldiers on PTO behind the lines, much was made after the war by a few workshops. This cocktail shaker, although not signed, is attributed to the American silversmith; Gorham Manufacturing Company, so an example of the work produced after the war in workshops.  Research has uncovered a very rare coffee set made around the same time, also believed to be by Gorham.

The shaker itself is much like most jug or pitcher style shakers from the time. It has the applied brass handle to the body. A removable cap, or lid, in this case in the form of the range finding part of the shell, also in brass. A brass applied spout with removable cap on a chain, so as not to lose this small, but important part of the shaker once done with the shaking! The main body of the "shell" is made in silver plate, with the banding toward the base made in the beautiful pink copper. This helps give this three colour, mixed metal overall finish that is so visually appealing. One doesn't have to be a cocktail shaker collector, or even a lover of cocktails to enjoy the overall beauty of this piece as an object.

It is presented in superb condition having been fully cleaned inside and out, ready for use. A superb and very rare piece of early 20th Century barware design that would look great in even the most modern bar. Made in America, circa  1918.