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Unknown 75mm Shell Case
- Thread starter M8owner
- Start date
I’ve had another look at the photos, trying to improve the images on my iPad.
It is a Japanese marked case, but my initial thought about being 1st Tokyo Army Arsenal was incorrect.
S 8 16 is clearly the date. showa 8 16, which is August 1941.
Above S 8 16 it appears that there is an anchor with twin cross arms that are bent like two upside down W, this anchor symbol is the inspection mark of Kure Naval Arsenal.
There is a kanji inspection mark 可 below the S 8 16
There is a kanji inspection mark on the primer
I have never seen RVJ or the encircled C on a case.
Next to the encircled C appears to be a naval sakura flower symbol
I now think this is a Japanese naval case, and 3” x 16” would seem to indicate that it may be a 76.2x407R
It is a Japanese marked case, but my initial thought about being 1st Tokyo Army Arsenal was incorrect.
S 8 16 is clearly the date. showa 8 16, which is August 1941.
Above S 8 16 it appears that there is an anchor with twin cross arms that are bent like two upside down W, this anchor symbol is the inspection mark of Kure Naval Arsenal.
There is a kanji inspection mark 可 below the S 8 16
There is a kanji inspection mark on the primer
I have never seen RVJ or the encircled C on a case.
Next to the encircled C appears to be a naval sakura flower symbol
I now think this is a Japanese naval case, and 3” x 16” would seem to indicate that it may be a 76.2x407R
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Vasco Da Gama
Well-Known Member
These measurements would point towards a British export case for the Japanese Navy, a fixed ammunition version of the British 12pdr 12cwt used for anti-aircraft work from WW1. The primer is of a British style and the 2 different sets of markings would make sense for an export item. The Japanese knew the gun as the 8cm Type 3 anti-aircraft gun which armed the Ise and Fuso class battleships, plus other smaller ships. The case should measure 76.2x409, with a rim diameter of 104mm. Not a common case for the British gun in Royal Navy service even in the UK, still looking for one!
I understand the British would not be exporting to Japan in 1941, but the Japanese markings may indicate the case being refilled or reused after being exported much earlier when the gun entered service. One source indicates the gun may have entered service with the Japanese Navy in 1915.
I understand the British would not be exporting to Japan in 1941, but the Japanese markings may indicate the case being refilled or reused after being exported much earlier when the gun entered service. One source indicates the gun may have entered service with the Japanese Navy in 1915.
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Being discussed now on a facebook group.
Yes - "8CM Type 3 AA gun" or "8cm 40 caliber dual-purpose gun". Mine measures 76.2 x 409.
The Japanese produced about 60 guns a year from 1931 -1945. Very common on the islands in the pacific. It had HE as well as APHE rounds available for surface targets.
Incidentally this case was reportedly taken on Guadal Canal. One of these days I'll have to do some research and verify these guns were there. Since there was an airfield under construction they would have had some air defense.
The Japanese produced about 60 guns a year from 1931 -1945. Very common on the islands in the pacific. It had HE as well as APHE rounds available for surface targets.
Incidentally this case was reportedly taken on Guadal Canal. One of these days I'll have to do some research and verify these guns were there. Since there was an airfield under construction they would have had some air defense.
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Well that didn't take too long to research -
Here is the caption for the following photo (courtesy National Museum of the US Navy);
Caption: Guadalcanal Campaign, August 1942 – February 1943. “Japanese Left This Behind.” This three-inch anti-aircraft gun, left intact by the Japanese in their hurried flight before American troops at the outset of the Guadalcanal Campaign is now being used by U.S. Marines against its former owners. Large quantities of ammunition were seized as well. November 4, 1942. U.S. Navy Photograph. Photographed through Mylar sleeve. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
The case is dated 1939 so the story checks out. Very cool!
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Here is the caption for the following photo (courtesy National Museum of the US Navy);
Caption: Guadalcanal Campaign, August 1942 – February 1943. “Japanese Left This Behind.” This three-inch anti-aircraft gun, left intact by the Japanese in their hurried flight before American troops at the outset of the Guadalcanal Campaign is now being used by U.S. Marines against its former owners. Large quantities of ammunition were seized as well. November 4, 1942. U.S. Navy Photograph. Photographed through Mylar sleeve. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
The case is dated 1939 so the story checks out. Very cool!
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View attachment 166170[/FONT]
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Nice clear photos, the Kure Naval Arsenal anchor mark is clearly visible, S 10 14 is showa 10 month 14 year (October 1939).