World War II 105mm shell case cut down and turned into a very interesting piece of trench art. It measure 8 1/2" tall and 4 3/4" across at the widest point. This one was made into an ashtray and incorporates the shell case, four 50 caliber cartridges and three 45 caliber cartridges. Three of the 50 cal rounds are spent and the brass has been used as legs for the ashtray. The fourth 50 round is complete (minus powder and primer) and is mounted to the center to support a clip to hold a pack of cigarettes. The three 45 caliber rounds have been cut in half length wise and attached to the side of the case for decorative purposes. European coins have been used atop the 50 cases as cigarette holders, as well as two coins on the cigarette pack clip. The 105mm shell case has some very elaborate etchings all around the exterior. One panel has TO JUNE FROM "SHANK" ITALY 1945. Another panel shows a Middle eastern scene with pyramids, camel, palm trees, snake and a Bedouin. The third panel shows an Italian village scene. The head stamp on the shell case reads 105 MM M14 TYPE 1 on one side of the primer. The other side reads 1944 LOT No. EM - 5 - 29. This is a fantastic piece of work by an American serviceman during WWII!

Item # AA621

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