Unfinished 1.5" L8A1 case 1976 dated

[reccetrooper]

This appears to be the case from an unfinished L8A1 1.5" Blank. The headstamp is 9 / 76 FPL

The case mouth has never been rolled over. Case finish is blue, with no trace of stencilling.

 

[reccetrooper]

Comparison photos, 1974 dated L8A1 Blank (used) and the 1976 dated unfinished case (?).

 

[roller63]

Interesting to see that it has faded the same way as the other one, as if it has been outside ?

 

[reccetrooper]

Interesting to see that it has faded the same way as the other one, as if it has been outside ?

Yes, interesting. I wonder if it is due to the finish deteriorating over the years, or if it is fading due to environmental conditions.
A lot of L5 series and Arwen I've seen have also faded from black to various shades of bronze/brown.
I don't recall where I picked up the L8A1, probably a south-east of England militaria fair, the other one came from Cumbria.