18 Pr shell maker HK?

[Darkman]

Would anyone know the maker of this 18 Pr shrapnel shell please? Stamped with a joined HK on both the fuze socket adapter and the shell body, and dated 7.3.16.
Thanks, Graeme

 

[TimG]

Possibly - A.F. Hitchcock, 121, High Street, Colchester.

Snufkin will be able to verify or otherwise.

TimG

 

[Snufkin]

Hitchcock would be a strong contender except that according to all the entries in the various Orders Placed for Gun Ammunition and Components - from May 1916 to the end of the war - the company only made 3-inch, 20 and 5 cwt, 12 & 13 pr HE anti aircraft shell.

As the shell is dated March 1916, maybe the company made some 18-pr before concentrating solely on AA shell. Just no record of that early production.






Tom.