Unidentified large brass casing

[917601]

I have this brass casing I had acquired with a 1945 dated 5”/38 casing. I know little about naval cases. Information: 16 3/4” tall, 4 3/4” diameter at the mouth, 5 1/4” across the rim of the head case. No markings except for two impressed “ X” s on the head case. I suspect it to be a cut down signal case for a naval gun. It is pictured next to a 105H for scale. Any ideas?

 

[frijoles108]

More photos will be necessary to help you. Even if its relatively blank, an image of the base to see the primer hole shape, etc can be a huge help.

 

[917601]

Pic of headcase.

 

[917601]

I noticed my picture shows an “ X” and a “4”? Maybe a Navy 4” cut down casing for signaling?

 

[frijoles108]

Normally signal casings I have seen are old full length casings that were chopped and resused, so I haven't seen one before that is just for signalling from the start. The style of casing certaintly looks pre ww2, is the primer hole threaded or just smooth?

 

[917601]

Primer pocket is smooth. I am in thinking it is an older Navy 4”, cut down for signaling or barrel clearing.
I have once seen a cut down 5”38 that had an “X” over some markings, and it was ink marked “ for signaling only”, I will have to find the pic. The patina on this is very dark brown suggesting considerable age?

 

[US-Subs]

I'm at work right now so no pictures, but my 4-inch case is clearly marked and dated (1918 I think). That doesn't mean yours is something else, but adds to the mix -

 

[ozziammo]

Maybe it came off the production line unfinished?
Regards Ozzi.

 

[frijoles108]

The dimensions of yours are remarkably similar to 4.7 inch gun casings, however i need to confirm this for certain with another source. As to why the casing has so little markings I have no clue, in addition to having no crimping indentations as expected wtih the fixed 4.7 ammo.

 

[917601]

I'm at work right now so no pictures, but my 4-inch case is clearly marked and dated (1918 I think). That doesn't mean yours is something else, but adds to the mix -

As some stated the lack of markings makes this a tough one to ID. Looking at the head case, the “ X” is clear, the other marking looks like a “4”.