H
Hoeksel
Guest
I traded this case a while back with the assumption it was for the Dutch 12 cm Krupp L/12 (Krupp Model 1905 I believe) since 1) the dimensions match (128x84R140) and 2) the Dutch bought most of their shell cases in that period via Patronenfabrik Karlsruhe. However, I started doubting this.
1 - Normally Dutch army used primers are numbered, this primer is not (although it might be worn out). In this case I would expect a primer number 2.
2 - Normally Dutch used cases are often re-used and therefore show typical re-loading marks with a year and powder type.
3 - When I started doubting because of the above I noticed the primer has a letter "B" in 1 of the 3 cavities. I am not aware of ever having seen this before.
4 - The letter "B" on the primer has a strong similar look in style as the letter "B" in a rectangle as shown on the case head stamp (many Dutch cases have all kinds of markings, where some are not understood, so a "B" in rectangle did not really surprise me at first).
5 - I checked and the 12 cm Krupp L/12 was introduced in the Dutch army in 1908 while the case is dated 1905. That seems early for Dutch use, although old stock could theoretically be delivered with the Krupp guns, but I doubt it.
Because of this, I believe now the case is possibly not Dutch used. Clearly it is an export case, since it has no German acceptance marks, but for what gun and what country? Maybe anybody can shed some light and I am especially interested about the existence of other primers whit the mentioned "B" as it may be a significant clue towards my question. As a last remark, I contacted the collector I traded with and he mentioned the case was found in Poland.
1 - Normally Dutch army used primers are numbered, this primer is not (although it might be worn out). In this case I would expect a primer number 2.
2 - Normally Dutch used cases are often re-used and therefore show typical re-loading marks with a year and powder type.
3 - When I started doubting because of the above I noticed the primer has a letter "B" in 1 of the 3 cavities. I am not aware of ever having seen this before.
4 - The letter "B" on the primer has a strong similar look in style as the letter "B" in a rectangle as shown on the case head stamp (many Dutch cases have all kinds of markings, where some are not understood, so a "B" in rectangle did not really surprise me at first).
5 - I checked and the 12 cm Krupp L/12 was introduced in the Dutch army in 1908 while the case is dated 1905. That seems early for Dutch use, although old stock could theoretically be delivered with the Krupp guns, but I doubt it.
Because of this, I believe now the case is possibly not Dutch used. Clearly it is an export case, since it has no German acceptance marks, but for what gun and what country? Maybe anybody can shed some light and I am especially interested about the existence of other primers whit the mentioned "B" as it may be a significant clue towards my question. As a last remark, I contacted the collector I traded with and he mentioned the case was found in Poland.