1940’s 4.5” shell case identification.

[Mikeandkimaway]

Good afternoon all from a new member and even newer collector.

Here is my first acquisition, I’m very excited and am hoping I have a genuine piece of Royal Navy brass.

Could I ask the group to help with identification, I would also appreciate knowing the source material to expand my knowledge base for future puchases.

Please have a look at the attached images.

Measurments are:
Internal case neck diameter 114mm
Length 700mm
Base diameter 165mm

I would like to know what platform would have fired such a shell and get an idea to a suitable and authentic projectile to mount on the top.

Thanks all,

regards, Mike.

 

[Tony Williams]

Welcome to the group!

For future reference, three key measurements should always be supplied when asking for a cartridge case ID: the calibre, the case length, and the diameter of the rim at the base (the third of these may be the most important, as large cases have often been cut short to turn them into vases or something). Along with that should go a clear photo of the headstamps, as you have provided.

Yes, you have a case for a British naval gun, presumably one of these: http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNBR_45-45_mk1.php This photo from the Navweaps article gives an impression of the projectile:

 

[ron3350]

I have a similar case with the chambering dint ? on the base. 4.5" Mk8 case I think. Hard to tell without dimensions. Maybe 114x693R ?

 

[Mikeandkimaway]

Thanks Tony,

much appriciated.

Measurments are:
Internal case neck diameter 114mm
Length 700mm
Base diameter 165mm

 

[Tony Williams]

You might find this of use: http://quarryhs.co.uk/ammotables.htm

The RN's high-velocity 4.5 inch naval guns, from the late 1930s to the present day, all use basically the same ammunition, with some variations in case length linked to whether or not the projectiles were loaded separately from the cases. At first, the rounds were fixed (projectile and case firmly attached) but the size and weight proved too much for fast handling, so the ammo was soon separated and remained that way until the automatic-loading Mk 8 was adopted, when it became fixed again.

This deals with the postwar Mk 6 and Mk 7 mountings: http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNBR_45-45_mk5.php
and this is the current Mk 8: http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNBR_45-55_mk8.php

 

[Mikeandkimaway]

Perfect, thanks.

Am I right in assuming the 19 E 40 mark on the case head is the year of manufacturing and the MK3 on the primer designates it as a an electric firing mechanism and therefore for a MK III gun?

aprriciate the help and education.

 

[ydnum303]

No; the date of manufacture was 12/84, and this is for the Mk. 8 gun.

Roger.

 

[Weasel]

Hi Mike,
Took me a while to find the picture, here is a complete Mk8 with HE projectile, just to give you an idea of what it would look like.
Best Weasel.

 

[Mikeandkimaway]

Good evening all,

i am am looking for a 4.5 inch MK8 naval round to mount on a shell I own, do any of the group know where I might find one?

thanks, Mike.

 

[charley777]

Hello Mike ...and welcome
Just for your information : what you have is called a cartridge case (or a shell case in the US)
A "shell" is a type of projectile ...one that carries something... like HE, Smoke or messages etc.
A solid projectile is usually called a "shot"