Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a relatively small empty brass Shell Casing marked with R (Broad Arrow) L across the top of the head stamp and I.V. across the bottom. The mouth of the shell casing has been turned out Blunderbuss style converting the item into a Vase for a man’s Button Hole Bloom. There is also a small pin inside to secure the stem of the bloom to.
The side of the case is engraved with:
H.M.S.
CALEDON
HELIGOLAND
BIGHT
This refers to the Second Battle of Heligoland Bight involving the British and German Navies, which took place on November 17th, 1917. HMS Caledon (D53) was a C-class light cruiser that took part in the battle, losing 5 men during the course of the action. She was also hit with a 12 inch shell, however it did not detonate, so she did not suffer any damage.
Standing just 2″ tall this was something any British Gentleman of the period could have made very good use of.