SILVER is given to those who come second, but it has turned Adrian Ward into a world record holder.

Mr Ward, 44, from Box Hill, is a sculptor who likes working with pure silver bullion — so much so that he is the creator of the world’s largest pure silver sculptures.

The largest is the Banana Gun — a life-size handgun weighing 3.6kg with 24-carat gold plating.

“The Banana Gun symbolises the struggle of people in Guatemala, who were oppressed by dictator after dictator, with the banana symbolising one of the country’s main industries,” Mr ward said.

“I like creating art out of silver bullion because my works often talk about capitalism, and with silver bullion a commodity the sculpture’s value fluctuates with the economy.”

Mr Ward has also made a 3.2kg silver bullion American Dollar — the second largest pure silver sculpture in the world.

Mr Ward is currently in talks with a major world bank to create a 10 tonne silver sculpture for its headquarters.

“This would dwarf the Banana Gun when it comes to being the biggest silver sculpture in the world — ten tonnes of silver is worth $7,360,000 alone,” Mr Ward said.

“Not only will this be an amazing art piece but will celebrate the bank’s history, prosperity and optimism in the future.

“Casting such a large piece is unheard of.”

Visit adrianward.com.au to find out more.