You remember the shot. This is how you keep it.
A first deer, a trophy you waited years for, or the shot that won a match — send us the fired brass casing and we will turn it into something that sits on a desk instead of rattling around in a drawer.
What we do
We start with the fired brass casing you send in, with the option to hand polish it to a bright shiny finish. Then we engrave it with our precision laser, producing a black, high contrast mark that will not wear off or fade.
Here is why that matters: we do not use additives or abrasives — the marking is done with the laser alone. You have probably seen rotary engraved shells that are hard to read because there is not enough contrast. That is not a problem with our method. The black stands out clearly against polished brass.
This service is for a single shell to be polished and engraved.
Planning your text
We have provided examples showing different line and text layouts. The more lines and letters per line, the smaller the text gets — keep that in mind. A layout that works well:
- Line 1: name and the occasion
- Line 2: the date
- Line 3 (optional): details about the shot or trophy — point count, yardage
White glove service
Our premium option. We call you, answer your questions, and walk you through the process. We also send you a pre-paid postage package to return the shell — put it in the provided packaging, drop it in your mailbox, and we handle the rest.
Add-ons
- Brass key ring: we drill a hole in the large end of the shell and install a polished brass key ring
- Acrylic display stand: a black acrylic stand we designed in house to elevate the shell and highlight the engraving. Sits on a shelf, desk, or curio cabinet. Ships flat and assembles with no tools using the included directions
If you are having the head mounted, attaching the engraved shell to a plaque on the mount is the finishing touch.
Common questions about engraving bullet casings
Can you engrave a bullet casing?
Yes, and it is most of what we do. Fired brass from rifles, pistols, and shotguns all engrave well. Send us the casing and tell us what you want on it.
How do you engrave a bullet casing?
We polish the casing first, then mark it with a precision laser that darkens the brass surface to a deep black. No ink, no paint, no chemical additive — which is why the writing does not wear off with handling.
How do people write on shell casings without the engraving rubbing away?
The cheap way is a rotary engraver, which scratches a shallow line into the brass. It is hard to read from the start and gets worse. Laser marking with no additive gives you high contrast that stays legible for decades.
Can you engrave a live round?
No. We work with fired, spent casings only. If there is any doubt about what you are sending, ask us first.
How do I get the casing to you?
Ship it in a box (see below), or choose white glove service and we will mail you a pre-paid package so you do not have to figure out the logistics.
Shipping your shell to us
Please read this carefully so nothing goes wrong:
- Ship in a box. We have had every carrier damage or lose items sent in shipping bags — please do not use anything but a box
- Include a copy of your order confirmation, and any last-minute instructions clearly marked
- If you want engraving in a specific location, masking tape on the item works well to indicate orientation, size, and other details
Ship to:
KEYSTONE ENGRAVING
CUSTOM SHOP
10722 FAIRGROUNDS RD #1
HUNTINGDON PA 16652
Casings from a military funeral are a different job and we treat them differently — see our three-volley salute tribute service.
