Help identify a casing.

[shlobby1]

Hi.

This is my first post.

We have a brass shell casing standing in the lounge and wonder what it is from, how old etc..

The markings are;

W.N.Y
9-1909
3IN50CAL
E.H.C.L (ANCHOR SYMBOL)P.W.F

Marks on the detinor are;

XIV
T9
AG
37

The casing is aprox 365mm long and 95mm wide. It may have been cut down.

We live in Barrow in Furness so it is probably something to do with the ship yard?

Anyone got any ideas? :tinysmile_hmm_t2:

 

[Gspragge]

3 inc 50 cal

W.N.Y = Washington Navy Yard
9-1909 = Sept 1909
3IN50CAL = 3 inch gun
E.H.C.L (ANCHOR SYMBOL)P.W.F = Inspector marks, Initials /Navy acceptance

Marks on the primer are;

XIV
T9
AG
37 = may be date, if so reloaded.
The upper neck should be 3 inches so maybe it has been cut back. Check out Gun Broker auctions under ;
GunBroker.com: Ammunition : Large Bore / Cannon / Inert

there are usually examples listed so you can compare.
121123930 3in /50cal he navy round

and this drill version
121073903 WWII Navy Sub 3in-50cal Artillery Shell Drill Rd.

120539581 NAVAL 3"/50 CAL SHELL CASING

 

[Falcon]

This is a casing for an American 3 Inch gun, "50 Cal" meaning the length of the barrel when measured in "calibres" (the bore diamter). So 3 Inches x 50 = 150 Inches or 3.81 Metres.

The case has been cut down if it is 365mm long, unfortunately it is now nothing more than scrap metal as far as collectors are concerned. This is a common problem with these large calibre cases, as they have been cut to be used as ornaments, poker stands etc.