WWII Ashtrays

[j-easy]

In the process of looking for an ashtray I realized that I already owned two that I have never used, I got some brasso and cleaned them up this morning.

Ashtray #1, Made from a 105mm Howitzer shell casing and a .50 Caliber round, dated 1943. My dad bought this for me at a gun show probably close to 10 years ago. This one was in pretty good shape probably never used and only light brown before the brasso.


Ashtray #2, This one has a story, I got this from my grandfather who served in the US Navy during WWII, he had this made in the machine shop on the ship and it has his name and ship stamped into the side, the base is made from a 5" Naval shell dated 1943, the rest was machined from scraps. It is possible he fired this shell, he was a gunner on the 5" gun during the war. This ashtray had been used heavily and was covered with 60 years of corrosion, the entire thing was very dark brown or black. I still am going to work on it to get it a little more cleaned up, I do plan on leaving some corrosion to give it that rustic look.

[tackleberi]

Both are very cool. I imagine they add quite nicely to the experience of a good smoke.

[itsme_timd]

Both are very cool ashtrays but the one from your grandfather is awesome. It's amazing the value that family history can add to what others would see as a simple ashtray.

[Volt]

Thanks for the post, it's great seeing those ash trays. If you really want them to sparkle, instead of Brasso use Never Dull. As a sailor who has polished my fair share of brass, Never Dull rules. Less work and a better shine.

[totallytentative]

Originally Posted by itsme_timd

Both are very cool ashtrays but the one from your grandfather is awesome. It's amazing the value that family history can add to what others would see as a simple ashtray.

Very nice indeed. A real heirloom, but not something so fragile that you can't continue using it.

[Rmac58]

Originally Posted by totallytentative

Very nice indeed. A real heirloom, but not something so fragile that you can't continue using it.

x 2.

[j-easy]

thanks for the input, ill pick up some of that Never Dull and try it out