Gun Jewelry & Other Vintage Finds

I can’t tell you why, but I was recently inspired to type “NRA” into the search function at Etsy. I know most of you have seen a few examples of gun-related jewelry online, but I have to say that the variety available from the sellers on Etsy is the best I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t stop at your typical bullet-shaped necklace or casing cufflinks. It’s gorgeous repurposed gems and uncommon vintage pieces.

The following items are found in these stores: The Key of A, Gallo Grotte, What Once Was, resellit, With Care, The Sea Change, Andrew Modern, victoriasponge, Black Bird Creative, and Little Gems by Jax.

13 thoughts on “Gun Jewelry & Other Vintage Finds”

  1. Please be aware that posession of many of these are items is a felony in Massachusetts unless you have an FOID card in that state.

    1. Not quite true. While I did joke on Twitter that some of this stuff couldn’t be sent to Massachusetts, I pulled up the law again just to double check since it’s been a few years since I kept a copy of the state statutes by my side most of the day. Unless you can cite court cases in recent years that have set some kind of case law, then there’s a legitimate defense in the law for the requirements for the FID (not FOID – that’s another state) and LTC possession.

      As used in sections 122 to 131P, inclusive, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:-

      “Ammunition”, cartridges or cartridge cases, primers (igniter), bullets or propellant powder designed for use in any firearm, rifle or shotgun. The term “ammunition” shall also mean tear gas cartridges, chemical mace or any device or instrument which contains or emits a liquid, gas, powder or any other substance designed to incapacitate.

      In all of this jewelry, the cases have been destroyed – whether cut down or had extra holes drilled in them – and they are no longer “designed for use in any firearm, rifle or shotgun.” They are worthless for using in shooting at this point. I recall discussing this with one of the firearms lawyers there years ago when I was given a .50 caliber pen as a gift. It had been changed in a way that it could not be reloaded or otherwise used in a rifle again.

  2. Ammunition components do require an FID card or LTC, as illustrated by the definition I highlighted. However, the reason I only joke about these items being Massachusetts-compliant is because they have been altered to the point where they cannot be reloaded and used in a firearm. They don’t really meet that definition anymore.

    Could you, in theory, have to make that defense in court? Possibly, but highly unlikely. Being threatened with criminal charges over a bracelet or earrings that are clearly not designed for use with firearms would get media attention. The county district attorneys in Massachusetts are elected, so it’s unlikely any would want to be seen by the media as wasting resources on some chick with a necklace of worthless spent brass shell casings.

  3. The green bullet totally reminds me of all the Kryptonite bullets they sometimes use to try and kill Superman in the comics.

  4. Great finds! They have given my crafty better half many ideas. I will be expected to provide some of the raw materials which I will do gladly.

  5. Tell me about it! I’d love to have the necklace with the parts from the really old shooting medals. I would go buy outfits to match it. :)

    John, I wish her the best. I completely fail at making jewelry, but there are some pieces that I would love to replicate. (I’m not a huge fan of some of the prices, though I would pay for the expensive necklace in a heartbeat if the household job situation was a little more secure.)

    I did buy a really cute vintage piece that was converted into a tie tack. However, it’s a gift for someone who may read, so I’m not posting photos until after I have a chance to deliver it. :)

  6. Nifty used cartridge casing jewelery – very crafty. And if you want to shine it up for extra glam, just throw it in the case polisher for an hour!

  7. Does that mean an empty 22 rimfire empty is legal to possess?
    If someone knows how to reload those PLEASE share!

  8. I wouldn’t chance it if it’s not destroyed in an obvious manner. That’s where you get into iffy territory. Again, you’re relying on a defense that these components aren’t designed for use in a firearm anymore. Even a gun fearing jury member is unlikely to find that empty brass with holes drilled in it is considered to be for use in a firearm. WIth an untouched .22 case, they won’t inherently know how that works.

  9. So very well timed that you posted this. I just got done making my house a very nice windchime from a bunch of polished range brass. Those nickel plated ones make a nice ring.

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