Pure physics meets authentic military history.
The Abatis is handcrafted from a genuine WWII-era .50-caliber ammunition crate and designed to balance a single wine or spirits bottle securely on a flat surface. It accommodates bottles ranging from 750 mL to 1.75 liters while taking up very little counter space.
Its name comes from the abatis, a defensive obstacle traditionally constructed from felled trees with sharpened branches positioned toward the enemy. Like its namesake, this bottle caddy uses a deceptively simple design to create strength, balance, and stability.
Each piece receives a hand-rubbed finish that protects the wood while preserving the crate’s original military character, markings, and natural imperfections. Compact, functional, and rich with history, the Abatis makes a distinctive gift and complements nearly any décor.
INCLUDES
● One WWII-era Abatis bottle caddy
● One 12-ounce whiskey glass
HISTORICAL DETAILS
ERA: 1941-1945
CONFLICT: World War II
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
ORIGINAL USE: T1IDR .50-caliber ammunition crate
WEAPON SYSTEM: Browning M2 machine gun
HISTORY & CONSTRUCTION
T1IDR ammunition crates originally carried 120 rounds of .50-caliber M8 armor-piercing incendiary ammunition. Each crate held two ammunition cans. Each can contained six cartons with 10 rounds per carton, for a total of 120 cartridges.
When fully loaded, these crates weighed approximately 42 pounds. The M8 cartridge was widely used with the Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun during World War II.
Original lot markings help identify where some crates were manufactured:
LOT D.M.: Des Moines Ordnance Plant in Ankeny, Iowa
LOT L.C.: Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri
PRODUCT DETAILS
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 9” × 7.5”
MATERIAL: Wood
CAPACITY: One 750 mL to 1.75-liter bottle
DISPLAY: Designed for use on a flat surface
WEIGHT: Approximately 1 pound
PLEASE NOTE
Because every Abatis is made from an authentic military-surplus crate, wood color, wear, markings, and overall appearance will vary. We carefully preserve the original military writing whenever possible, but intact or fully legible markings cannot be guaranteed.
Wine, spirits, and other pictured accessories are not included unless specifically stated.