Canadian Forces 12th Regiment de Blinde 76mm Trench Art With Regimental Wine Bottle EMPTY

This item is a piece of trench art featuring a 76mm shell case associated with the Canadian Forces 12th Régiment blindé du Canada (12 RBC). Trench art refers to decorative objects made by military personnel, often from spent shell casings or other military surplus, typically during or after periods of conflict. The focal point of this piece is a regimental wine bottle, now empty, which is included with the shell. The 76mm shell case has likely been repurposed and shaped, incorporating regimental insignia or motifs linked to the 12th Régiment blindé du Canada, an armored regiment formed in the early 20th century. Such items were commonly created as commemorative or souvenir pieces reflecting regimental identity and camaraderie. This example illustrates the practice of turning battlefield or surplus materials into keepsakes that hold historical significance, both as artifacts of material culture and as records of military heritage.