What on earth am I looking at ?

[Andy Naude]

The item in question is a wooden cylinder which is leather bound.

The wooden cylinder is filled with a metal. This can not be seen, but I can pick it up with a metal detector.

Weight: More than 23 kg

Height: 790 mm

Diameter: 190 mm (7 1/2 inch )

It arrived with a 6 inch Drill Projectile.

I think it could be some sort of Drill Charge for a Breach Loading gun.

 

[apfsds]

No clue but it is awesome and so unique! I hope someone ID's it!

Jason

 

[Bonnex]

Andy,

"Drill cartridges are made to the same shape, weight, and dimensions of the Service cartridges they represent. They consist of wooden cylinders, usually containing an iron core to give the necessary weight, and covered in raw hide"

From Admiralty Handbook of Ammunition 1905.

 

[kahu1]

Agree with Bonnex .Ithink it could be a drill charge bag/cartridge. I have seen similar over here for the 4.5" naval guns.I guess to get the crew used to handling correctly weight ordnance,and only having the consequence of a sore foot and a few choice words if mishandled!.

 

[NZ L1A1 Collector]

Can you post photos of the ends of the drill cartridge

 

[Andy Naude]

Ends of the leather charge

The ends of the leather charges.

 

[Andy Naude]

Base of the 6 inch Drill Projectile

The base of the 6 inch Drill Rounds.

 

[NZ L1A1 Collector]

Sorry about the late reply, I didn't get notification that their was a reply.

I believe its a DRILL Cartridge for the 9.2 inch Gun. Its too big for a 6 inch gun

 

[Andy Naude]

Yes indeed. I have now been able to confirm that these were charges for the 9.2 inch Gun.