40 x 158R 9.5 in DCT

[Tony Williams]

I have a 2pdr No.1 case (40 x 158R) with the headstamp 2PRI & II GUNS & 9.5 IN. D.C.T. dated 1929. It has an annular crimping groove about 10 mm below the case mouth.

Since this was evidently intended for launching depth charges it can't have had a projectile, so I presume that it doubled up as a blank for the "2PRI & II GUNS", with the crimping groove intended to hold a case-mouth wad, or something. Is this correct and, if so, what were the "2PRI & II GUNS"?

P.S. There are the faint remains of some stencilling on the side of the case:
R.N. (long number, faded)
MK VII ? OIL

 

[2pounder]

Cant answer your question but this may help. I have a 1915 copy of 2pdr and 1 1/2pdr handbook for the Vickers automatic mkII and mkI respectively, a quick look in it there is a reference to the mkII 2pdr having an automatic fuze setter. According to Hogg in his 1914-1918 book the mkI did not have a setter.