World War I Trench Art Cap – Royal Engineers “ubique” – Made from an Inert British 6-pounder Tank Shell (Dated April 1917)

World War I Trench Art Cap – Royal Engineers “Ubique” – Made from an Inert British 6-Pounder Tank Shell (Dated April 1917) A remarkable and highly evocative piece of First World War trench art, this unique cap has been expertly fashioned from an inert British 6-pounder tank shell, transforming an instrument of war into a striking and symbolic object of craftsmanship. Dating to April 1917, as stamped to the underside, the piece originates from one of the most intense phases of the Great War. The front is adorned with the iconic flaming grenade badge and scroll bearing the motto “Ubique” (“Everywhere”), identifying it with the British Army’s Royal Engineers—one of the most vital and widely deployed units of the conflict. Constructed from the brass casing of a 6-pounder tank shell, this cap retains the natural curvature and form of the original munition, with the addition of a hand-worked copper band encircling the body. The contrast between the warm tones of the brass and copper enhances its visual appeal, while the applied regimental badge provides a clear and proud military identity. The underside is clearly stamped “APR 1917”, along with additional workshop or issue markings, confirming its wartime origin and adding to its historical authenticity. The shell has been rendered inert and repurposed, a common practice among soldiers and military workshops, who often created functional or commemorative items from spent or surplus materials—now widely known as trench art. This is a superb and unusual example of WWI trench art with direct Royal Engineers association'