Fundraiser Art
Valhalla’s Forge Whiskey HELLBOX / Blasting Machine
Gunpowder was the first form of chemical explosives and by 1161, the Chinese were using explosives for the first time in warfare. The first useful High Explosive was nitroglycerin, developed in 1847. Benjamin Franklin invented the first electric blasting cap in 1750. He relied on two wires that were in contact with a small charge of black powder. That is, at least until the latter part of the 1800s when electric blasting machines were produced. Over the decades, relentless research and development has led to incredible capabilities and mindsets.
Today, the surgical application of explosives is a cornerstone of the Special Operations community! Our shop continues to serve the SEAL community in crafting explosively forged plaques with our Frogman brothers. Our Hellbox pays tribute to our nation’s history as well as to our active-duty elements on the front lines today.
Our Whiskey Hellbox is modeled after the DuPont No.2 Blasting Machine which was used for tunneling and harvesting coal and military applications. These machines were used from the late 1800’s to the early 1940’s.
Our Hellbox includes a fully functional leather carry strap along with an aesthetic white oak plunger which was crafted using a supporting 50 cal casing that was fired by Navy SEAL’s. On closer inspection, you will note the back plate is fastened with expended 5.56 casings fired by special operations personnel. A hallmark of our cases are the uneven dove tails that join the sides. This is a very difficult technique and is highly desirable in fine woodworking. The brass plate on top is a combination of the original DuPont No.2 plate and the Valhalla’s Forge logo. The door has a stainless-steel hinge and hasp. Inside, you will see a retractable steel plate that holds up to 6 shot glasses. Your bottle of desired spirits resides under the shot glasses.
Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) Heritage display
Explosively Forged Artwork
Executed by the surgical application of explosives. We utilize three distinctly different techniques to accomplish a variety of outcomes. Some date back a very long time. Others are very new in the explosive world. Our shop proudly displays the first prototype blast hanging on our shop wall. The second blast of that technique was done while crafting the commissioning plaque for the USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).
Long Sea Service Pistol - Being Used by Russell Crowe In the Movie "Master and Commander"
In the age of fighting sail, all navies were famous for the patchwork of weapons used on board their ships. The Royal Navy was no different. However, by the second half of the 18th century a model of sea service pistol began to dominate amongst the tars of Britain's navy. While there were earlier versions of the sea service pistol, Britain at the time of the Seven Years War began to produce naval pistols and muskets like never before.
The sea service pistols offered here (12-inch barrel) saw extensive use during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and Nelson's adventures during the Napoleonic Wars. During the 1790s, the barrel was shortened to 9 inches making it more convenient in the tangled mêlées experienced by boarding parties. The shortened version is often referred to as the East India Co. Sea Service Pistol because they were the first to shorten it. By the time of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and the War of 1812 there would have been a mixture of lengths of barrel on board a ship.
During the War of 1812, the American navy would have had these pistols available to them, from their capture of several British ships, particularly those captured after the Battle of Lake Erie.
Specifications:
These reproductions are simply beautiful, complete with historic proofing markings. The .62 caliber barrel is made of tempered seamless gun steel (type:BS970 no.080M40) with a tight breech plug. Comes with a 7 1/2 inch steel belt hook. The lock is made with strong durable springs and has a case-hardened frozen (hammer) that throws good sparks. We use a industrial case-hardening factory process that makes sparking both more reliable and longer lasting. Presently no other musket provider uses this technique.
The vent is not drilled so it can ship easily throughout North America and to Europe and the UK. Aside from that they are exactly like the originals. A fine addition to any collection.
Non-Firing State
This is a historically accurate pistol in a non-firing state. This allows us to comply with various local, state, national and international firearms regulations, along with shipping company policy restrictions. This means the product can be shipped right to your doorstep. A certified gunsmith may decide to alter a musket or pistol to a firing state by drilling the vent hole and test firing it. No need to remove the breech plug. We are not legally responsible for any changes from its present state.
The Navy SEAL Trident insignia hosts a Trident, Eagle and a Sea Service pistol. The three elements apply to Navy SEAL insertion methods: Sea, Air and Land.
Inlays:
Valhalla’s Forge LLC is extremely proud of our inlays. We are on a relentless search for historically significant materials. Deep thanks to all those people who have assisted us in the procurement and ultimately the sharing of these precious artifacts. These artifacts are NOT for sale. We use them when appropriate. Each artifact is proof of the honor, courage, and commitment of those who served before us and are serving today.
A small amount of the material is encased inside a weapon casing (9mm or other). The casings are a metaphor for our currently deployed operators. The casings also provide a perfect container for the materials.
USS Constitution Oak
We are very fortunate to have a sizable amount of Old Ironsides. One of the past crew members was able to secure some for us. We are working with the ship to gain a letter of authenticity. It is proof of the heritage, ethos and sustained superior performance. The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy’s inventory. The ship was directed to be built by George Washington! The ship was commissioned and named by George Washington in 1794 and built at Hartt’s shipyard in Boston between 1794 and 1797.
9/11 World Trade Center Steel
We have several pieces. Our first piece came from two memorial builds. We also have a very large piece of the world trade center. It was given to us by the NYC Port Authority. It is our most precious artifact. These pieces are a clear reminder of sacrifice, honor, courage and commitment.
Honor - Courage - Commitment