4 inch cartridge case (Headstamp states 101.6) non-British origin but refilled by UK, ID?

[Tsarbombaad]

This case measures approx 4 inches at the mouth (105mm but probably expanded after firing), has the British 4'' MkIV shell cutouts at the mouth as well (See 2nd image(From sally antiques)). But the headstamps doesn't seem conventional for british ordnance. The concentric circles on the base and the 2 stars also seem odd for british made shells.

Anyone has any idea what information is on this headstamp? (Kinda looks russian to me and the Russian empire used 4'' guns (102 mm 60 caliber Pattern 1911) but the case was short at only approx 440 mm long instead of the 101.6 x 790mm R).

There is a CF stamp that I think means that the case was refilled by the british and used. Thank you!

 

[Hoeksel]

I suspect it to be a British made case, later re-stamped by Spain (or a South-American country, probably Mexico). I have owned shell cases from both countries with this exact dimensions and 101,6 mm head stamped. Maybe somebody can pinpoint the country based on the very specific stars. I do not have a collection anymore so unable to check.

 

[reccetrooper]

EOC monogram is Elswick Ordnance Company, a British manufacturer.

 

[Tsarbombaad]

EOC monogram is Elswick Ordnance Company, a British manufacturer.

I think the top stamp is 40C and not EOC. Thank you though!

 

[ron3350]

Yes 40C at the top but the EOC monogram at 3 o'clock is for Elswick Ordnance Co as stated above. A common UK maker.
That is a very interesting headstamp.

 

[reccetrooper]

I think the top stamp is 40C and not EOC. Thank you though!

 

[Tsarbombaad]

Ah I see, very interesting that the letters are merged together, are WW1 era maker marks all like this? I only have experience with WW2 and up British ordnance with marks like RLB. Thank you!

 

[TimG]

Educated guess - this case could be for 4"/40 QF Mk VI. The Mk VI was an Elswick gun of Pattern "S" originally built for six Chilean destroyers of the Admirante Lynch class. However, four of these were seized at the start of the Great War, we returned the surviving three after the war.
See - http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNBR_4-40_mk6.php

TimG

 

[Hoeksel]

Makes sense, 40C (40 calibres) is very likely the designation for L/40 and not typically Spanish nomenclature as is the star. As I stated I suspect a Spanish speaking South-American country and Chile is a likely candidate.

 

[15 inch]

Ah I see, very interesting that the letters are merged together, are WW1 era maker marks all like this? I only have experience with WW2 and up British ordnance with marks like RLB. Thank you!

There is a lot of variety in British and Allied maker marks as cartridge cases such as for 18 Pounder were made in UK, USA, Canada and India. Best calligraphy goes to pre-WW1 Coventry Ordnance Works COW and most unusual to Gramophone Company (GC and a gramophone picture) in my humble opinion. One of the roughest is NCF for National Cartridge Case factory in Waterford Ireland.