Found an artillery shell (or some kind of shell) in my front yard?

Question

My Husband found this while testing his metal detector in our front yard last summer. It's an artillery shell (or something, it's about 4" or so long, thin, tapered at the end) that has already been fired and it is engraved:

Recruit Marvin B Bolen,
3rd Armored Division,
Fort Knox, Ky.

We think the man it belonged to may already have passed away. Any suggestions on how to track down his relatives? We also think (have no idea for sure though) that it may be from the 40's or 50's.

We have no idea how this came to be in our front yard. We bought the house from the family who built it (built in 1936-38) and their name wasn't Bolen.

Answer 1

I suggest that you send an email to: -

[e-mail]

This is the website of the 3rd Armored Division. Someone there should be able to help you in tracing Marvin Bolen.

If you want to check this out, the 3AD website can be viewed at the link below.

Answer 2

Are you sure it Marvin "B"? If it is "E" Bolen here's one from the Social Security death index:
MARVIN E BOLEN 14 May 1940 23 May 1997

Answer 3

4" long, suspect it is a .50 round, for a machine gun.
Measure and see if the diameter in 1/2 inch.

It is a common souvenir for soldiers, just take it to any gun shop and the guys/ladies can tell you what it is and perhaps date it by the markings.

Picture is linked, also it may be a "dummy" but likely it is a real one.

Answer 4

Wow!
You should definitely do some research on the soldier, the military unit, & the background history of your home.
I would say to take it to some kind of appraiser as well as doing your own research.
That is so very interesting! Im almost jealous!

Answer 5

It sounds like your story is a good candidate for that show "The History Detectives". Maybe you should email them.