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3 Inch .50 Caliber case?

peregrinvs

Well-Known Member
Hi,

I have this pair of cases incoming. (Sellers pictures) I bought them as they were a job lot and I wanted the British 6PR 7CWT case on the right.

I assume the one on the left is a US naval 3” 50 cal case, but I’m not certain. I recall reading that the earlier cases had a longer neck and the later ones had a shorter neck. Is this an early one or something else?

Thanks,
Mark
509AE5E4-3C77-4C93-9155-C96A9D969E4E.jpeg6573D30D-6170-4328-8F7D-59C4775B225D.jpeg
 
If it is a U.S. 3 inch 50Cal case it will be stamped on the head. If you were to list measurements of length, diameters etc. they would be much easier to identify. The tall one does look like a 3 inch 50Cal.
 
Yes the earlier case necks were longer ... 76.2x595R x111
Early Marks e.g. 3" 50cal Mk3 (and also i think 15Pr Mk1 used this case size)
The case illustrated above has the earlier (longer) neck

Later necks were shorter because the driving band was wider ... 76.2x585R x111
For instance 3" 50cal Mk7 and Mk9
 
Last edited:
Yes, it’s a 76x595 case. The only markings I can make out are UMC Co (Union Metallic Cartridge Company I believe) and 11-14. I assume the latter means November 1914?

B29EB5A9-98DB-47C8-B4C7-296B9A9C31D0.jpg
 
BTW. This is outside of my collecting themes, so I’m looking to move it on in the very near future. If anyone is interested in acquiring it please PM me.
 
Having found some pictures, I don’t think it’s a 3 Inch / 15 pdr seacoast gun case as the neck is a slightly different shape. The lack of caliber markings is a little odd though.
 
3"/50 (3 inch 50-calibre) case information.

Diagrams

3 Inch 50 Cases.jpg

Specifications.

3 Inch 50 Cases - 2.jpg

You can compare what you have with the details given.
 
Quite possibly ... but there will be experts on early US ordnance much better qualified than me to confirm ...or not
Cannot currently access my documents on the range of UMC made cases of that era
 
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