USS Laffey (DD-724) Shell Casing Ashtray

Object/Artifact

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Name/Title

Description

An ashtray made from 5 in. shell casing fired from USS Laffey (DD-724) during the D-Day attack on June 6, 1944. On one side are the words "Invasion of France; June 6, 1944" between two crossed anchors. On the other is a depiction of a destroyer with the words "USS Laffey (DD-724)".

Use

Both a memento of a US Navy cruise and a practical device for ashing cigarettes.

Context

Creating art from shell casings was a very popular pastime amongst US Navy crewman during World War II.

Collection

USS LAFFEY DD724

Acquisition

Accession

1976.00002

Source or Donor

USS Laffey Association, Donald L. Givens

Made/Created

Date made

1944

Update Date

April 4, 2025