Shell case lamp stand : Private J C Arney, Corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 16 Brigade AIF

Lamp stand made from polished brass shell casings and bullets. The base is a cut -down 18 pounder shell casing, 34 mm high, into which is centrally mounted a 2 pounder casing. The original 18 pounder casing base has been cut out and replaced with a thicker, heavier cast brass base into which has been drilled an access hole for electrical wiring. A metal screw fitting has been tacked into the top of the 2 pounder case. The base is decorated with three small copper kangaroos, probably cut from old pennies. The lower section of the 2 pounder case is decorated with three half .303 rounds, which form a vertical division between three further copper kangaroos. Each of these have been mounted above a boomerang in imitation of the 6 Australian Infantry Division tactical symbol. Three 9 mm bullets have been mounted horizontally 75 mm from the top of the lamp; one of these is missing. Separate from, but associated with the lamp are three 20 mm Hispano rounds, each originally soldered to the same nut, and each with a slot cut into the lower casing. Two rounds have separated from the nut and the original configuration is not apparent.

Lamp stand made by John Charles Arney during the Second World War. Arney was born in Helensburgh, NSW on the 27 November 1918. He was a motor mechanic before enlisting on the 26 October 1939. He served with 2/3 Battalion before being transferred to Corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 16 Brigade. He was promoted to Corporal on the 24 January 1944 and discharged on the 7 March 1945.