Original WWII U.S. Army wooden ammunition crate, clearly marked:
“FROM ELWOOD ORDNANCE PLANT – JOLIET, ILL.”
This crate was used for transporting military ordnance, likely fuzes or related ammunition components, as indicated by the visible stenciling.
💥 What makes this piece exceptional:
This crate shows a genuine wartime impact, with a metal shrapnel fragment still embedded in the wood.
The force of the impact is clearly visible, with the wood split and deformed around the fragment — a strong indication of an actual explosion-related strike.
➡️ A true battle-damaged relic, not just a storage box.
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📦 Condition:
•Original wartime construction
•Honest field wear and aging
•Clear markings still visible
•Original hardware (hinges & latch) present
•Embedded shrapnel firmly in place
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⚠️ Important:
The exact origin of the fragment (bomb, artillery, etc.) cannot be guaranteed, but all signs indicate a wartime explosive impact.
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🎯 Perfect for:
•WWII collectors
•Battlefield relic displays
•Reenactment / museum setups
•Unique conversation piece