British pre-WW1 3in case?

[Vasco Da Gama]

This case turned up recently and it has me stumped, my best guess is an early 3in gun for the Royal Navy. The case is 464mm long, rim diameter 114mm and mouth 76mm. The only marking on the base is the monogram for Vickers, Son & Maxim. The a lack of any other markings and the style of the primer lead me in the direction of a 1890 to 1900 date for the case. Pictured alongside a 6pdr (57x305) for comparison. Very glad to be educated!

 

[Burney Davis]

It's a 75mm Nordenfeldt case (note the sloping rim) made by V S & M on contract, possibly for the Spanish Navy. Perhaps one of our Spanish members can confirm. Certainly not a common case Steve.

D

 

[Vasco Da Gama]

Many thanks for identification, very impressed with your ability to reach this far back in time. My references mention a 75mm Maxim-Nordenfelt gun being fitted to Audaz class destroyers and Hernan Cortes class gunboats in the 1890's. This weapon was 42 calibres long and fired a 14.1lb shell.

 

[Burney Davis]

Vickers Sons and Maxim (VS&M) were formed in 1897 and so the case will date from shortly thereafter I think, although cases made before this date were stamped with the letter 'N'.