What's new
British Ordnance Collectors Network

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Help with head stamps

bmf974

New Member
Hello all,

As this is my first post I would like take this opportunity to say hello. A friend has sent me a drawing of the head stamps on an artillery case. I have been unable to successfully identify their meaning, all help will be most appreciated by both of us.

Cheers
bmf974
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    60.8 KB · Views: 69
Hi & welcome BMF
A pic & dims of case would be a help.
C.F = Cordite Full (not sure about second F).
2N97 = Naval second month or quarter of 1997? or 1897?
Arrow = MOD accepted
I think the ECC or EOC may be manufacturer?
Could the upside down cricket stumps be II as in MKII?

Some of the other stampings I have seen but as I am off to the pub I have no time to look at my notes.
Surprised no LOT number or reference to caliber?

Hope some of this helps - is right!!
 
Headstamps are a whole field in their own but briefly by its style of marking the year is 1897. EOC is Elswick Ordnance Company. Second F is because it has been filled with cordite a second time. II poorly stamped is likely to be MkII. Sizes, length and open end diameter will identify the type of case.
 
From the diagram, I am fairly sure this is a 12 Pounder 12 CWT or one of the similar naval cases.

Does it have a primer that sticks out from the base of the case and has a knurled edge?
 
image.jpgimage.jpgInteresting, the narrow end is 12cm or a smidge under 4 3/4 inches the base is 5.3cm or 6inches and is 40cm tall or 15 3/4inches, I have managed to get a photo of the case in question, along with a few others examples.
 
Last edited:
looks like a british 4.7in naval or coast defence case, presume it has 3 pairs of notches in the top to hold in the case lid as its a seperate loading round ie the shell is loaded in the gun the the propelling charge in the case.
 
Top