A Hotchkiss Cannister or ... ?

[Shell Shifter]

Lord only knows where I picked this up. Description follows:
Length: 8 3/8"
Diameter at head: 3 3/4"
Diameter at far end: 3 3/8"
Weight: 15oz
Magnetic

Body is rolled steel, soldered at long margin. Cap pressure fit. Could not remove it
Head is soldered. 5 rivats like the early 1.65" Mountain Gun cases. Looks like a primer hole that is occluded on the inside.

Empty.

Inscription: Hotchkiss Patent Paris <logo>

 

[ThomasP]

Any idea where it was found? US, UK, France, etc

 

[Shell Shifter]

Any idea where it was found? US, UK, France, etc

No idea. I started checking patents but ran out of patience.

 

[ThomasP]

Basic Hotchkiss "made-up" case, probably from the late-1800s. Note item E on Fig:1 - it is a cap for protection vs moisture and to prevent the contents from falling out during transport and handling. It wold be removed before loading. Used a lot for naval ordnance.

 

[Shell Shifter]

Thank you.

It is a surprising design inasmuch as the walls of the case are thin and tin and I would think would rupture. Then again, it is basically a large shotgun shell, the projectile(s) do not obturate so the pressure is low.