RAF Trench Art Shell Case

Another example of the craft which we are listing today, this time fashioned from a shell case clearly stamped 'DURA 20MM M21' and dated 1942. Online research indicates this was manufactured by the Dura Division of Detroit Harvester Corp, Toledo, Ohio, USA. Unusually this one is displayed inverted and the pointed end is screwed onto a turned aluminium base, that also features a riveted brass plaque with the RAF motto 'Per Adua Ad Astra' which translated means 'Through adversity to the stars'. We are unsure if the shell is an original item but compared with the other example we have listed today it carries no stampings to confirm its origins and we therefore surmise feel this may be a turned from a block of metal, fashioned to represent the 20 mil shell that was originally fitted. The front of the shell case has a wartime Other Ranks RAF Kings Crown cap badge attached and either side extended RAF wings cut from scrap brass. Whilst an inert display piece, to avoid any possible issues with customs, we are restricting this one to UK customers only. Measures 8" (20.5 cm)