Vickers 3pdr 2cwt case

[Vasco Da Gama]

A recent find in an antique fair was this 3pdr 2cwt case (47x351R), not in bad overall condition and not a case you come across very often. The primer is interesting as I would read the date of manufacture as 1951, which is very late for this weapon. I suspect it has just been added later to fill a hole. My understanding is this weapon armed the Vickers Medium tank which saw very limited combat service in WW2 and was mainly used for training. Pictured alongside a naval 3pdr case (47x376R) and a 2pdr tank/anti-tank round.

 

[peregrinvs]

VERY nice. Possibly the rarest British non-trials tank cartridge case?

 

[womble]

Vasco de Gama the one I have also is stamped 1929, the primer appears to be original cheers Womble

 

[TimG]

Vasco,

The primer on yours is some what unusual it that it was manufactured in 1944 (4XY) I believe by the Hercules Cycle Company. For some reason or another it was not filled until 1953 at ROF Chorley (CY). Although manufactured as a No. 15 II, it was filled as a No. 15 2/1, you'll note the II has been barred out. All that means is that he original primer had a coned plug that was replaced at filling, with a copper ball. On the periphery of the primer at 12 o/c and 6 o/c there is evidence of punch stabs, but no such marks on the case, this would suggest that the primer is not original to the case.

TimG

 

[tigbrand]

Easily worth over a hundred quid, but not as rare as a 32 Pdr case!

 

[Vasco Da Gama]

Thanks Gents for the additional info, particularly Tim, very impressed. I guess I need to look for an early 1930s No 2 primer!