Lot 165: A World War I British Trench Art Peaked Cap Fashioned from an 18-Pounder Shell Case

A World War I British trench art desk accessory, fashioned in the form of a soldier’s peaked cap using the brass base section of an 18-pounder quick-firing field gun shell casing. The item features a hand-hammered brass peak and an applied copper chin strap secured by two small brass buttons. The interior is hollowed out, designed for use as an ashtray or pin dish. The exterior base is stamped with various ordnance markings, including 18 PR II, ECC within a diamond, and CF for cordite filling. A Broad Arrow government property mark is present above the date 1917 and the number 17, alongside the inscription Lot E 6 6 1. The central primer is stamped with No. II, BSA for Birmingham Small Arms, P. B & Co, 7 99, and the production dates 12/16 and 10/16.