The 2 pictures below are of 47mm projectiles used with the 2 1/2pr / 47mm Hotchkiss revolving cannon. I believe it is generally thought that such projectiles and cases were made around the 1900 period for export to Japan by Elswick Ordnance Company (EOC). The first projectile is stamped EOC and has other markings associated with that maker. The second projectile is not stamped EOC but does have the same markings, including a naval anchor.
I recently acquired what I thought was a standard early British 3pr, pictured on the left below, alongside a typical 3pr of the period. After a gentle clean and examining it more closely I realised that the base screw thread is right hand rather than the usual left hand thread on British 3pr common projectiles. I also noticed an anchor on the drive band and the same markings/characters that appear on the 2 1/2pr projectiles. The base fuze is also interchangeable between them.
The picture below shows the comparison in length between the two EOC projectiles. My conclusion is that this projectile was made by EOC, again for export. The interesting point here is that it came in a Russian 47mm long case (385mm) which I am sure is original to the projectile.
I’ve never seen one of these projectiles in 30 years of collecting, so I’d be interested if anyone else has one or has any thoughts to add.
I recently acquired what I thought was a standard early British 3pr, pictured on the left below, alongside a typical 3pr of the period. After a gentle clean and examining it more closely I realised that the base screw thread is right hand rather than the usual left hand thread on British 3pr common projectiles. I also noticed an anchor on the drive band and the same markings/characters that appear on the 2 1/2pr projectiles. The base fuze is also interchangeable between them.
The picture below shows the comparison in length between the two EOC projectiles. My conclusion is that this projectile was made by EOC, again for export. The interesting point here is that it came in a Russian 47mm long case (385mm) which I am sure is original to the projectile.
I’ve never seen one of these projectiles in 30 years of collecting, so I’d be interested if anyone else has one or has any thoughts to add.