A couple of years ago I purchased an unusual Bofors round. As can be seen from the photograph it looks just like a short Bofors L60. The case is 231mm long compared to the standard L60 case length of 311mm.
The round came from a reputable dealer who was completely honest with me stating that he didnt know what it was so sent it to me first so I could judge for myself.
Having studied the round for quite some time it was clear it was not a cut down case, or so I thought. The faint bands from crimping were still clear around the top. On closer inspection however I noticed that where the base of the case meets the rim there were some very very small traces of solder. I thoroughly cleaned the junction of the case wall to the base and in places the there was a very small gap. It was clear that sometime in the past the case has been shortened by cutting an 80mm section out of the case and re fixing the remainder to the head of the case so making a completely unique case length.
Whatever the reason it is a valuable lesson when hunting out rare items. They may not always be what you think they are and cutting down a case doesnt necessarily mean just cutting the top off it!
I bought this in the full knowledge that it wasnt quite right and it has gone into my collection as a curiosity. Its a good talking point.
Dave.
The round came from a reputable dealer who was completely honest with me stating that he didnt know what it was so sent it to me first so I could judge for myself.
Having studied the round for quite some time it was clear it was not a cut down case, or so I thought. The faint bands from crimping were still clear around the top. On closer inspection however I noticed that where the base of the case meets the rim there were some very very small traces of solder. I thoroughly cleaned the junction of the case wall to the base and in places the there was a very small gap. It was clear that sometime in the past the case has been shortened by cutting an 80mm section out of the case and re fixing the remainder to the head of the case so making a completely unique case length.
Whatever the reason it is a valuable lesson when hunting out rare items. They may not always be what you think they are and cutting down a case doesnt necessarily mean just cutting the top off it!
I bought this in the full knowledge that it wasnt quite right and it has gone into my collection as a curiosity. Its a good talking point.
Dave.