This seemingly random chunk of metal, sitting in a courtyard at Jacques Littlefield’s ranch in Portola Valley, turns out to be the prop from the RMS Lusitania, whose sinking by a German U-boat in 1915 helped precipitate the United States’ entry into World War I. It was just sitting there, on the ground, in California. I was croggled — where’d that come from? Jacques was a collector of interesting artifacts. He passed away last year from cancer. I scarcely knew him but I still feel the loss; he was an amazing guy.

Shot with the Nikon D70s and the 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom at 55mm, ISO 200, f/9, shutter 1/320 sec. Cropping, white balance, exposure, highlights, and levels adjustments in Aperture.