4 inch Navy question

[Michel]

I have this 4 inch Navy cartridge it could be cut down but maybe it is a re-used case for some thing different like depht charge/impulse or propelling. The PH (year) code is also found on re-worked 6 pounder depht charge cases. It is 338mm long and the rim looks professional cut.

 

[tigbrand]

PHD is Priddys Hard in Gosport, they did modify a lot of cases as you say. It may be a blank, but these are normally stamped thus, or a clearing case, I dont think its trench art as the first thing to go is the primer as it wont stand up! Cheers Tig

 

[Michel]

Tig, thanks for explaning the PHD stamp. If some one knows more off its use, that would be great!

 

[radioman1]

Hi I have some info that may be able to help you . The 4 ins MK XV1 (16) was used from about 1939 to the early to late 50s Its was a fixed round so after firing it could not be reused . There are 4 ins guns on HMS Belfast . I have worked on the round . Hope this helps Steve EX RNAD Trecwn

 

[Falcon]

The primer on this case should be screwed flat to the case base.

 

[Michel]

Correct Falcon, I think it is the wrong primer that came with it. Probably a 25 pounder.

 

[ron3350]

My MKXV1 all have no primers but other 4" use a No9 or No14 primer. Just match a similar dated primer to your case.
It seems cut down but does anyone know if there was a Blank and the case length?

 

[Michel]

HRonn3350, I have no spare primer lying around, the ones still in there cases are stuck, so that had to wait. I made a pic of the inside of the case and it looks that something of a charge liner was in there, but it is not all the way to the top of the rim. So smaller or reduced charge like the R stamp indicates. But I think no one wants to hear its just cut down The PHD stamp can mean it had been changed for some reason. But the size of a blank case would make a nice comparison. Also a 6 pounder case photo of a PHD changed case.

 

[Vasco Da Gama]

Hi Michel, I would never wish to be the bearer of bad news to any collector, but the case should be 734mm long. No idea if any shorter blank cases were used. The case I have has a No14 electric primer in it, not sure if it is correct as it does unscrew very easily so may have been fitted later. Pictures for your interest.

 

[Michel]

Hi Vasco, I knew very well that the case was shorter as it should be. I also have full lenght cartridge. But the PHD stamp made me buy it, because it could be something out of the ordinary. So no harm don, discussing this case. The people on BOCN have a huge knowledge together, sometimes with answers knowhere other to be found.

 

[2pounder]

might be worth clamping the damaged primer in a vice between two pieces of wood and using your hands on the case, try unscrewing it. If it comes out then a very good clean of the threads would be next as there is often remains of the sealant used that binds them up when re fitting primers. I have a spare No. 14 with a fill date of 8-41 but don't know if it could be posted, whether its worth it or even if, the case had a different use ie aircraft catapult or something like that if it would have had a No.14.