| The pictures below shows multiple larger views of this Old Boxed Chinese Coin Trench Art Dragon Bullet Souvenir Salt & Pepper Shaker Set. We do not know much about this souvenir salt & pepper shaker set. The set was brought back to the United States, as a souvenir, during World War II by a U.S. Navy Sailor (my Father-in-Law). He was a Machinist Mate onboard the ship LST-226 (1943 - 1945). Exactly where in Asia that he acquired this set is unknown. It had been stored all of these many years in the custom presentation or display box that is shown and included. The bullet shells are believed to be 50 caliber, with made metal bullet tips, with holes for use as salt and pepper shakers. Wrapped around the shells are detailed metal dragons. Applied to the bottoms are large Chinese coins. The silver coins that are applied are Dollar or Yuan coins. The applied dragons may be silver as well, but they have not been tested. One of the coins has Chinese wording and a junk sailing ship. It is believed to be from 1934. The other coin has a Chinese ruler, Chinese wording, and the text “MEMENTO BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA”. That one is believed to be from 1927. The presentation or display box is wooden with an applied dark red and black covering, The bottom has a green and white squares pattern that is made of paper. The lid has metal hinges, and it has a metal clasp for closing. The interior is shaped or molded, and made for the shakers, and it is lined with a silky blue cloth
The “trench art” bullet shakers measure about 5-9/16'' tall, and the display box measures 5'' x 6-7/8'' x 2''. The shakers have never been used, and they have not been polished. The tops screw, and unscrew easily. The wooden box appears to be in good condition as pictured. The glue on the hinged side had dried long ago and it had separated. It can be easily re-glued. It has some wear or chipping on the covering, from years of handling.
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