early .303 but what is the marking?

[Rrickoshae]

evening all, please see the attached photos of a recently found .303 round, the headstamp being the relevant one. One can make out the 'R broad arrow L' and 89 but what is the little character at the bottom? It doesn't appear to be a letter or a number. Any thoughts? The white stuff is old Brasso.

Many thanks, Dave

 

[TonyE]

A nice round, a shame that the condition is not the best.

It is a ball, Powder Mark I made as you say at Royal Laboratory, Woolwich in 1889, the first year of production.

The symbol at 6 o'clock is two small punch marks, the significance of which is unknown. Some cases have one punch, others two. It may indicate the line that the round was made on, but that is uncertain. More details on my website https://sites.google.com/site/britmilammo/-303-inch/-303-inch-ball

A good find.

Regards
TonyE

 

[Rrickoshae]

what a cracking website Tony, I hadn't come across it before. Thank you very much for the info. and as you say, pity about the condition - it looks like I feel some mornings!

 

[jonnyc]

Still lots better than the one you don't have!