1943 British 'Trench Art' Brass Ashtray

Not your average ashtray — this one started life somewhere else entirely.
 
Turned from a British shell base dated 1943, with three simple rests cut into the rim and a clean circular well at the centre. The form is straightforward, but the real interest sits underneath. Original stamped markings, numbers and workshop references remain visible, alongside a dense layer of surface wear built up over time. The brass has softened and darkened naturally, losing any shine and settling into a much more muted, lived-in finish.
 
We like these for the contrast. From above, it’s straightforward. Flip it over, and it becomes something else entirely. A piece of mid-century making that’s been reworked into something quieter, but still carries its past with it.
 
Condition: Excellent - wear and patination consistent with age and use
Size: W 10.5cm