Decorative inkwell in the shape of a Slouch Hat : City Imperial Volunteers

Decorative slouch hat constructed from beaten brass and tin. The tin brim has its left side turned up and is trimmed in khaki cotton drill glued to the upper face of the metal, while the base has been coated in what appears to be thin parchment. Stamped on brim is "C I V'. The lower crown is also tin, around which a cotton hatband has been glued, with a small felt button at the front, covered by the band. Set tightly within the lower crown is a brass inkwell with a spring-release cap covering a small glass pot which bears evidence of having contained ink. The inside of the cap contains a spring-loaded fabric seal, heavily ink-stained. The upper crown of the hat is made from brass and is hinged at the rear to cover the inkwell. The front of the inkwell body is fitted with a brass clip and catch to secure this cover. There are no manufacturer's markings on the inkwell.

Unknown. Appears to be an example of either trench art or a souvenir from the Boer War.