One of the more common examples of trench art is the ash tray (or possibly ink well) made from the brass conical ‘objects’. Cut in half, with the pointed end then turned upside down and welded inside the lower half, they are the perfect size to attach your unit’s cap badge. Many also have curved circles of brass attached to the rim as cigarette holders.

The question remains what these items were originally used for. I have always assumed they were to cover impact fuses, to prevent accidental detonation during handling. However I recently read something which suggested they were taken from the axles of gun carriages. I question this simply by virtue of their widespread occurrence - if they were only found on gun carriages I would imagine they would be fairly hard to come by, unlike anything that was produced in the quantities that shells were. If anyone can definitively confirm the original use of these cones, please get in touch !

<<<<<

Selection of typical ink pots / ash trays with cap badges or shoulder flashes attached, including Fusiliers, Army Service Corps & Royal Artillery.