WWII Trench Art Brass Shell Casing Ashtray

A classic piece of WWII-era trench art — a brass artillery shell casing converted into a small ashtray, with a hand-formed cigarette rest bracket riveted to the rim. The base headstamp is clearly marked and readable: "25 HA 54" and "6-44" among other stampings, consistent with mid-war U.S. military manufacture. The interior shows the original primer still in place. Details: - Type: Trench art ashtray, brass shell casing - Era: WWII (headstamp dated 6-44) - Headstamp markings: 25 HA 54, MK 2, 6-44, and additional stampings - Size: Approx. 2.5" wide × 2" tall - Cigarette rest: Hand-formed brass bracket, cross-hatched, riveted to rim Solid and heavy for its size, with honest patina and age-appropriate darkening inside and out. The bracket is secure. A straightforward, displayable piece of American military history. *Generated with Gavel AI — please ask questions if the description doesn't seem right.