WW2 Ammo Box

[ruth123]

Hello

A tenant left this behind (Sydney). I first though it was a shotgun case and google told me otherwise: an ammunition box for a British weapon, QF 3.7inch anti-aircraft gun, High Explosive Shell.

Not sure if the markings are clear enough but the lid says: RMWG or RMWC, C235, 1942

From reading the forums here I gather the RMWG/C is the manufacturer but I cannot find anything on who this particular manufacturer could be. Not sure what the C235 stands for, box type? and i imagine 1942 is when the box itself was made.

No stencil markings.

Anything else you could tell me about this would be great! Not sure if I want to restore it (if that is a done thing) or if I want to sell it.

Thanks
Ruth

 

[AE501]

There are collectors for that sort of thing and that package must now be fairly rare.
Whatever you do leave the packers labels in it they add value.

 

[LCplCombat]

Thats a nice box. The C235 is still in use in British service but it is modifed by the addition of fixed extra internals for use with HAYRICK. Not many about in that condition

 

[TimG]

The box was made by - Rustproof Metal Wndow Company Ltd, Saltney, Flintshire, Wales. Tel. Chester 23434/5/6/7. Telegrams - Rustproof, Chester.

The original contents had No. 208 fuzes which were filled at ROF Risley, as were the primers and shells.

TimG

 

[ruth123]

Thanks for the info guys!

Wales. ROF Risley. Wow. Is it normal that this sort of thing would end up in Australia?

 

[ozziammo]

ruth123,
There were many 3.7" AA batteries scattered around the coast of Australia during WWII, Darwin was also defended by them, so no surprise that the boxes still turn up, although yours is in very good cond. As mentioned, protect the inner label as this is real history.
The harder item to get is the cardboard transit tube that the rounds were packed in that go inside this steel box!
Still plenty of 3.7" brass carts turn up.
Regards Ozzi.