*Soviet Union, Cold War-Era Trench Art Ashtray with Paper Spike — 76.2mm Artillery Shell Case, Factory 46, Primer Dated 1980*
A striking and historically rich example of Cold War militaria trench art, made from a Soviet 76.2mm brass artillery shell case — likely for the iconic ZiS-3 divisional field gun — and repurposed into a desk ashtray with a central paper spike. This piece retains its original Cyrillic arsenal markings, providing direct insight into Soviet military production practices of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The brass case features a turned base with a retained primer and a hand-added steel spike (silver-soldered), likely for memos or notes. Measuring approximately 9.5 cm in diameter and 10 cm in height, the item is both decorative and functional — a classic relic of Cold War utilitarian craftsmanship.
Markings & Interpretation (Base of Shell Case):
-“176” — Lot number assigned to this specific batch of casings.
-“ВШ” (Cyrillic) — A two-letter Cyrillic production code. Based on comparative analysis with other Soviet ordnance, this may correspond to a late 1970s production date, although not officially confirmed.
-“46” — Arsenal/factory number. Factory 46 was a Soviet ordnance plant responsible for producing artillery ammunition during the Cold War.
-“К” and “T” — Cyrillic letters likely denoting OTK (Отдел технического контроля) inspection marks — proof the case passed final quality control.
-“96” over “81” — Internal workshop or tooling codes (possibly shift or press identifiers).
Primer Base:
-“693-80” — Batch code and year of the KV-5B primer (produced in 1980).
-“КВ-5Б” — Denotes the KV-5B primer type, a common Soviet percussion primer.
-Additional Cyrillic letters and a numeral (“Г,” “C,” “5”) are internal factory or inspector codes.
From these, we can confidently conclude the shell was in production or final assembly around 1980, with the case likely manufactured in the late 1970s and the primer added in 1980.
Historical Note: The Cold War & Soviet Ordnance
During the Cold War (1947–1991), the Soviet Union built one of the largest and most advanced arsenals in the world, with tens of millions of artillery shells, rockets, and tank rounds produced and stockpiled to maintain parity with NATO. The 76.2mm field gun shell — particularly associated with the ZiS-3 divisional gun — remained in widespread Soviet and Warsaw Pact service well into the 1970s and 1980s. These shells were used in both frontline deployments and training exercises throughout the USSR’s vast military infrastructure.
Factory-produced brass shell cases were often recycled or converted into trench art by soldiers or military workers, either for personal keepsakes or unofficial trade — this item is a classic example.
*Condition*
In good condition with attractive patina and wear consistent with age and prior use. The brass shows light tarnishing, minor oxidation spots internally, and some solder marks around the base of the central spike. Overall a solid and display-worthy trench art item. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
A genuine Cold War-era Soviet artillery relic, converted into a functional and decorative trench art piece. Rich with markings and historical significance, this item is ideal for collectors of Cold War militaria, Soviet ordnance, or 20th-century military craftsmanship.
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