To start with I had to take out all the old nails that were sticking out and then got to work stripping the old lead paint away and sanding(which was a nightmare but made me more determined not to give up).
As the piece started to clean up nicely I was able to apply the treatments and clean up the piece leaving the outer paint on the front, back and sides.

I wanted to keep this outer paint protected and part of the design so I applied multiple coats of clear varnish carefully sanding between coats.

Once I managed to remove the paint from the inside I painted it black inside and set to staining the lid and fitting a magnetic catch. I had a small dented hole in the lid which I was able to cover with the magnetic fitting plate keeping the trunk lid closed securely.

As time went on I decided the metal handles had to go and I purchased some jute rope to make the handles.
I remember my late grandfather showing me how to whip handles together and I impressed myself how well they turned out on this project.

As I spent a lot of time on this project and a lot of money I wanted to give it some legs that didn’t cost an arm and a leg and set about with various wooden handmade designs, however before fitting them I came across an antiques shop who had 5 Bullet shells for £90.
I knew straight away these would be the pieces I needed to finish the Ammo Box.
I tried to leave the shop but my legs would not let me and with a bit of haggling I walked away with the 5 shells for £80.

Once adapted to fit as legs the shells finish the piece off as a very unique piece of furniture.

Money and time was no object on getting it to look right.
Even the decommission label that was on the inside was used as part of the design to make this perfect.

For me it was all about preserving the history, I wanted to make a piece that can be functional but still hold the history of what is a box that is atleast 80 years old!

I like the thought that this box has not rotted away and can continue being useful for a long time to come.

Price £349
Free UK shipping

Please contact me for international enquiries as in some cases I may be able to extend the free post offer depending on your location.

The post Genuine 1945 British WW2 Ammo Box Chest / Trunk first appeared on Paul Riley Interior Design Effects.

The original handles help to keep the cabinet locked closed. With holes in the handle you could add an additional small padlock if necessary.

The inside was sanded and finished in an Indian rosewood stain which blends with the outside perfectly.

Inside I have built a small cubby hole with a pull down door. I cleaned the original webbing and used this to support the door along with a magnetic catch to keep in place.

The handle I have kept for over 15 years just waiting for the right project! Which again gives the piece a vintage/ authentic look.

The cubby hole is large enough to comfortably fit 9 regular sized wine glasses or a mixture of glasses/ wine bucket and accessories etc.

The wine bottles are supported by inserting the bottle into the holes in the side then gently resting on the relevant shelf.

This is enough support for the bottle however green webbing has been fitted for additional support and to finish the look.

I had cut and fitted three long bolts under the cubby hole to act as support rails to hook the webbing in place with special hooks.

The shelves were made from original stocks (these are the original supports that hold the guns and ammunition in place inside the ammo box) and were again sanded and finished in Indian rosewood.

The shelves were stepped in design and can accommodate different size bottles on different shelves. I used a few bottles as a template for this but I’m sure bottles can vary.

To ensure the door would open and close the box was lifted from the floor on small feet made from the pieces cut from the side. These give a subtle lift and help support the unit.

The original hinges are still easy to open and not stiff.

I incorporated LEDs into the design and after some research I was able to source the best quality waterproof LEDs that are connected to a battery pack below the bottom shelf which I have modified a magnetic window switch to. This gives a feature to open the door and the LEDs switch on which helps to save battery life. With a good set of duracells these will last for ages.
The LEDs have multiple pattern combinations and can act as great mood lighting.

This is a completely One Off item and a real centrepiece/ talking point.

More details to come

Price:TBA

Please contact for more info

The post Industrial/ Shabby Ammo box Wine storage first appeared on Paul Riley Interior Design Effects.