I find this 18 pdr case a little unusual. Firstly with a manufacture date of 1909 it is an early example, the 18 pdr only entered service in 1904. Secondly, it is of Indian manufacture, whereas the majority I’ve seen are of Canadian or American manufacture. This particular case was made at Cossipore Gun and Shell Factory. I’m slightly embarrassed to say that I had never heard of the facility. It is the largest and longest operating ordnance factory in India having been started by the East India Company in 1802 and is still operating today.
The ‘rosette’ stamping next to the 9 of 1909, I believe to denote the case was condemned but retained as a dummy. Normally there would be a circular stamp around such a mark.
Unfortunately, someone has seen fit to shorten the case to about 30mm.
Follow the link for an extensive history of the factory -
http://mod.nic.in/Samachar/april15-02/html/ch1.htm
TimG
The ‘rosette’ stamping next to the 9 of 1909, I believe to denote the case was condemned but retained as a dummy. Normally there would be a circular stamp around such a mark.
Unfortunately, someone has seen fit to shorten the case to about 30mm.
Follow the link for an extensive history of the factory -
http://mod.nic.in/Samachar/april15-02/html/ch1.htm
TimG
