Is this a training shell?

[mvmhm]

The widow of a US Coast Guard officer has donated about 30 boxes of his military history books and USCG manuals. Going through one last night, I discovered this....training shell? It's roughly the size of a 37mm anti-tank round...but it also bears a strong resemblance to some WWI or pre-WWI German training rounds. Any ideas?  And before anyone asks, I didn't think to take a picture of the bottom in case there's a headstamp..I'll do that when I get back to the museum. Any-hoo, any got an idea?

 

Mark sends

[manayunkman]

Could it be trench art?

 

I ask because the slot makes it look like a penny bank.

[mvmhm]

I thought that at first, but neither top nor bottom come off. I did find some photos of pre-WWI German 37mm training shells that have a slot in the side. There's no markings whatsoever, which would say it's NOT a military...anything.

 

Mark sends

[268th C.A.]

its a bank for sure, I've seen a few. it is hard to get the coins out. you have to use a knife and slide the balanced coins out. 

[mvmhm]

I figured as much as there seems to be one coin bouncing around in it...do you know what time frame this was made?

 

 

Mark send

[268th C.A.]

These were made as a war savings bank for kids...WW2 era