TOPIC:

I was shown a tin of coins and military badges, which also contains these 2 pieces of what appear to be Boer War trench art.

I have found an image of a very similar brooch online but cant find any more information, the other item has the stand fixed on the bottom for display.

I assume they are from the drive band of an artillery shell, I would be very grateful if anyone could confirm this and also any other information such as were these made for selling in South Africa or back home.

There were sweetheart brooches sold regarding the seige of Kimberly. Perhaps this is one of those.

Stillburning
Yes, the brooches are indeed segments of driving bands from shells. The shell's driving band was the portion of the shell actually engaging the rifling. While the shell was travelling up the bore and propelled by the rapidly expanding gasses of the ignited propelling charge, the driving band prevented gas "blow-by" and subsequent spoiling of the shell's predicted flight.
I regard items such as those you have shown as being very desirable.
Regards
IL.

Stillburning,

It looks very similar to this image: blogs.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/templat...-and-agreement-form/

And an example of a pendant shell fragment that azyeoman mentioned: www.angloboerwar.com/forum/13-miscellany...ts-and-jewellery#470