RAF Trench Art Shell Case Lighter

A rather fine period made example. The case is fixed to a hardwood and brass base so we are unable to establish date but this appears to have been crafted from a 20 mil cannon shell. The pointed end however gives us more clues and the head is embossed 'M.M.D' and below '152 and 8/41' which we assume dates it to 1941. Whilst munitions are not our speciality research online research indicates this projectile was made by the Auto-Lite Battery Corporation of California USA by their Metal Manufacturing Division (hence the MMD stamping).

The inert shell case has been sectioned and the top part is removeable with reveals a lighter mechanism fitted inside. We have not attempted to get this working and we can no longer guarantee its original purpose although it does look complete. The base of the shell case carries a period Kings Crown and an RAF eagle so we have assumed this piece originated from scrap recovered from an RAF station back in WWII. Sadly the provenance behind it is now lost although it would clearly have a story to tell and would sit happily in either an RAF or trench art collection. Despite being inert to avoid postage issues at customs we are restricting the sale of this item to UK customers only. Measures 9.25" tall (23.5 cm)