21-Gun Salute Shell Casing Display Charlotte NC
The crack of a rifle fire echoing across a cemetery during a military funeral is one of the most powerful and moving tributes our nation offers to fallen service members. The 21-gun salute, a centuries-old tradition of military honor, provides families with a tangible memorial in the form of spent shell casings. These brass casings represent not only the final salute to a veteran but also your nation’s gratitude and respect. A 21-gun salute shell casing display ensures these precious mementos are preserved and showcased with the dignity they deserve.
The History and Meaning Behind the 21-Gun Salute
While often called a “21 gun salute” at military funerals, the ceremonial rifle volley is technically a three-volley salute performed by seven service members firing three rounds apiece, totaling 21 shots. This tradition dates back to ancient battlefield customs when armies would cease fighting to clear their dead. The firing of weapons signaled that the task was complete, and they were ready to resume battle.
Today, this custom has evolved into one of the highest honors bestowed upon veterans, active duty military members, and other dignitaries. The sharp report of the rifles, the coordinated precision of the honor guard, and the presentation of the spent casings to the family create a profound moment many describe as both heartbreaking and beautiful. These shell casings become treasured keepsakes, physical reminders of a life dedicated to service and sacrifice.
Why display Shell Casing from a Military Funeral
After the funeral service concludes, families are often presented with the spent shell casing from the rifle volley, typically in a small flag or holder. While this initial presentation is meaningful, many families seek a more permanent and prominent way to display these important artifacts. A dedicated shell casing display case transforms these simple brass casings into a centerpiece memorial that honors the veterans’ service every day.
Unlike storing them in a drawer or leaving them in a basic presentation case, a custom display allows the casings to be viewed and appreciated along with other military memorabilia. When grandchildren ask about Grandpa’s service or friends visit your home, the display becomes a conversation starter and an educational tool about military service and sacrifice. The casings serve as a tangible connection to that final ceremony and the veteran’s legacy.
Crafted Cases NC: Veteran-Made Displays with Purpose
Crafted Cases NC brings unique authenticity to creating 21-gun salute shell casing displays. Founded by Mike Outten, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with 26 years of service and over 40 years of woodworking expertise, the company understands military traditions from the inside. Established in 2014 in Charlotte, NC, Crafted Cases NC was born from a desire to give back to fellow service members and preserve their honorable legacies.
Every display case is custom handcrafted to individual specifications, ensuring that each piece reflects the unique story of the veteran it honors. Across the nation, with more than 4,000 sales and a perfect 5-star rating maintained over a decade, the company has earned the trust of military families. The three pillars of their business philosophy – quality products, fair prices, and excellent customer service – ensure families receive not just a display case, but a meaningful tribute crafted with care and respect.
Design Options for Shell Casing Displays
A 21-gun salute shell casing display can take many forms, depending on your preferences and the other military items you wish to showcase. The most common design features individual slots or holders for each of the shell casings, arranged in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and secure. Many families choose displays that incorporate the casings alongside the folded American flag, creating a comprehensive memorial in a shadow box-style case.
Custom engravings add another layer of personalization to these displays. You can add nameplates which include the veteran’s name, rank, branch of service, years of service, and dates. Some family members like to add a personal quote, unit insignia, or service medals. The wood selection offers opportunities for customization. You can choose from the following options:
- Rich Walnut: conveys traditional elegance
- Cherry: offers warm reddish tones
- Oak: provides classic durability and beauty
For those who received additional items during the funeral service, such as medals, patches, challenge coins, or photographs, an expanded shadow box design can accommodate these elements. This creates a more complete picture of the veteran’s military career and personal story. The key is working with a craftsman who understands both woodworking and military tradition to create a balanced, respectful presentation.
Features of a Quality Shell Casing Display
When selecting a display case for your 21-gun salute shell casings, certain quality features should be non-negotiable. First, the case must securely hold each casing without risk of them falling or shifting over time. This typically requires precision-cut holders or a backing material used to keep the casings in place while remaining accessible if needed.
Protection from environmental factors is equally important. A glass or acrylic front panel shields the casings from dust, humidity, and handling while allowing clear viewing. High-quality wood construction ensures the display will last for generations without warping, cracking or deteriorating. The joinery and finishing work should reflect craftsmanship standards worthy of the items being displayed.
When preparing your display case for wall mounting, be aware of the weight of your crafted care. Also, make sure to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the piece on your wall. For tabletop displays, a stable base and protective felt or rubber feet prevent surface scratching and ensure the display sits level and secure.
Combining Shell Casings with Other Military Memorabilia
Many families find the most meaningful displays incorporate multiple elements from their loved one’s military service and funeral. The 21-shell casings might be displayed above or below the folded funeral flag, creating vertical visual interest. Medals and ribbons can flank the casings, telling the story of achievements and service milestones. A photograph in dress uniform personalizes the display and helps younger generations connect with the veteran’s story.
Some families include rank insignia, unit patches, dog tags, or even a copy of discharge papers. The beauty of a custom display from Crafted Cases NC is that it can be designed to accommodate whatever combination of items best tells your veteran’s unique story. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to memorializing a life of service.
An Investment in Memory and Honor
A custom 21-gun salute shell casing display represents an investment in preserving memory and honoring service. While the initial presentation of shell casings at a funeral is moving, a quality display case ensures a moment of honor remains visible and meaningful for decades to come. When crafted by a fellow veteran who understands the weight of military service, the display becomes more than woodwork. It becomes a testament to respect, gratitude, and remembrance.
Crafted Cases NC’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, combined with authentic military understanding and personalized service, makes them an ideal choice for families seeking to honor their veterans. Each custom display is built in Charlotte, NC, with the same attention and pride that characterized the veteran’s own service to our nation. Contact us today to find out more information.