What's new
British Ordnance Collectors Network

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

3-Inch shell

Y

ydnum303

Well-Known Member
Hi all,



I have recently acquired the shell shown. Its overall length is about 10". Diameter at "shoulder" is 2.984"; in front of driving band is 2.971", and behind the band is 2.982".


On the driving band is stamped an anchor between the numbers 5 and 0, followed by A.C. (or possibly O) D., then what looks like a "squared-off" OCD monogram in an oval, followed by another anchor.


On the base of the shell is stamped "WT 12.46 LBS 3 - IN FS. COM MK III MOD 5 LOT 2 - 5 - 17 A.F". The shell is closed with a plug stamped with the letter P, and just above the filling hole is stamped COMPL.


Can anyone please tell me who made it, and when, and what gun it was for? Am I right in thinking it is American? It came to me in a 3" 50Cal Mk 7 case, dated 1948, which I am beginning to suspect may not be the correct one!


3inch CP 1 (2).jpg3inch CP base 1 (2).jpg3inch CP base 2 (2).jpg3inch CP DB (2).JPG

Thanks in advance,
Roger.
 
http://oldguns.net/catho.htm

3520 SCARCE U.S. NAVY 3 INCH COMMON PROJECTILE MARK III FOR 3”/23 GUNS -
These were used with the 3”/23 caliber guns circa 1900-1940, in a series of
low powered weapons originally designed as boat and landing guns. The Mark 4 gun
was a Bethlehem Steel design with a side-swing carrier breech block. Mark 7 was
Erhardt-type landing gun built by the American-British Manufacturing Company
with a horizontally-sliding breech block. The Mark 9 was a monobloc Bridgman
"wet" gun designed for submarines and used a vertically-sliding breech block.
Mark 11 a similar design used as a landing gun and built by Bethlehem with a
vertically-sliding breech block. Mark 13 was a boat gun built by Driggs with a
semi-automatic horizontally-sliding breech block. The Mark 14 was a boat gun
adapted by the Poole Engineering and Machine Company during World War I as an AA
gun for destroyers. Mark 14 Mod 1 was used aboard patrol craft and had a muzzle
blast reducer and a breech counterweight. This would have been mated with a 76.2
x 234mm Rimmed case which apparently was used with all the above guns. The
“Common” designation was the early term for general purpose high explosive
projectiles. The Mark III Common projectile had a .28 pound explosive charge of
black powder and TNT, and used a base ignition fuze Mark 8 with an integral
tracer element. Only one of these projectiles we have encountered. Excellent
plus condition. No paint, and never painted. INERT- no flammable or explosive
components.

3520.jpgthe

site also has 9076 SCARCE U.S. 3-INCH FIELD GUN MODEL 1902, 1904, 1905 BRASS SHELL CASE (76.2
x 184mm Rimmed) - These early cartridge cases used a groove near the edge of
the base which was filled with different color paint to indicate the type of
cartridge for easy identification. The limber carrying the ammunition had the
cartridges stuck into individual tubes with the base facing out when the access
cover was opened. This case was altered long ago by some barbarian for some
decorative use by adding two threaded holes in the base, which drops the price
considerably to a bargain

9076.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 3925.jpg
    3925.jpg
    57.2 KB · Views: 64
Can anyone tell me what colour this shell should be painted, and what stencils it should have, please?
 
Just bumping this.

Surely some of our American experts can tell me what livery is appropriate for this projectile?

Regards,
Roger.
 
Common projectiles of that period would have been painted slate gray. Neither the rotating band nor the bourrelet would have been painted. The appropriate MK designation would have been stenciled just above the rotating band, in black, approximately 1/2" letter size.
 
Last edited:
I knew someone would point me in the right direction!

My thanks to both you gentlemen.

Regards,
Roger.
 
Roger

Be aware that the marking schemes used for US Navy projectiles in the period from 1900 to 1940 changed several times. Most of the changes were minor ones. But, dating the projectile is important if you're looking for 100% accuracy.

Ray
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top