Trench Art – Brass Hat Inkwell

I believe this inkwell in the form of a brass slouch hat with a “Rising Sun” badge is a piece of WWI trench art made from shell parts. Impressed on the hat is “80M” – this might indicate this piece was made from an 80mm shell or cartridge. The “Rising Sun” badge is associated with Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). The slouch hat, a distinctive part of the Australian military uniform, became a symbol of national pride and identity for the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in WWI.

This trench art inkwell is made of brass.  The hat band and “Rising Sun” badge are made of a copper-based material. The indentation or crease on the crown of the hat would hold a pen. The hat has a threaded screw top closure which screws off to allow access to the ink.