Unusual German FH18 case

[Vasco Da Gama]

Not the most glamorous of subjects but I thought to post a few pictures of what I think is a steel/brass washed 2-part case for the German 105mm FH18 field howitzer (105x 155). I am surprised at the amount of work put into this 1937 made item, the construction is complex and the fixing inside the case is very heavy and I assume difficult to manufacture. With the early date it would be hard to argue that this level of complexity was worthwhile to save brass in wartime. Marked as 6342/65, very glad to have your thoughts.

 

[Tmine35]

Actually this is cheaper to produce than one made in one piece. The head is simply turned from one piece and the body pressed from a piece of tube. If pressed in one piece requirements for steel quality are quite hard and most likely do not manage in one step.