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

Vase made from a polished 2 pounder shell case. The rim of the open end has been scalloped to produce a decorative effect, and a pair of .303 rounds with bullet point supports have been soldered to either side of the middle of the vase to act as handles. The primer has been removed from the base and the lower 60 mm of the shell case has been filled with lead, also sealing off the primer hole. The base is stamped '2 PDR No 2 / 986 / MF / ^1942'.

Vase 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.