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!

ID of shell please

W

Wooly77

Active Member
Afternoon all, Could someone out there please ID this for me? There are no markings on the shell case or head. The head is solid with the two driving bands. The shell case diameter is 46mm and the height of the case is 132.5mm. The head weighs 1.3kg. Any info most greatly received. Thanks in advance PaulComplete Shell.jpgShell case.jpgShell case bottom.jpgShell head.jpgShell head bottom.jpg
 
This is a 47mm Japanese Hotchkiss. Large quantities of these were made in the UK for Japan, but I don't think many ever made it there. This would have likely been made by Either Vickers or EOC in the period of 1900-1914.
 
Gerald. Is that driving band common ? I've not seen that configuration before . Mike
 
Yes i agree the driving band seems to have the chamfered edge facing the rear of the projectile, apart form it not being a type i have seen on a 47mm Hotchkiss before.
Best Weasel.
 
I believe this is more likely to be German or German export, although I cannot formally confirm. It has the same band configuration as some of the German 37mm AP shells.

D
 
I agree with the above, it looks like a larger version of the Gruson 37mm line. And as such is likely a "commercial" product to be sold any where.
The case looks like the Hotchkiss 47mm for the Revolving Cannon so this is likely intended for those and the associated Quick Fire deck guns in the same caliber.
The unmarked case is not usual for German cases and more like 1890s British - how ever this is a comment and not a fact, this looks to be quite original together.
I have unmarked no name U.S. 1 pr projectiles so every one was in on the after market.
 
Last edited:
Not common, i would say. I blieve that Gordon and Burney Davvis are right about the German origin, as it sure looks like the 37mm item.Solid shot are not all that common in 37mm and the Germans had them. This looks like something from the 1880-1890s. In 47mm, you find the wide brass band, the thin copper(Austria) band, the typical French Hotchkiss band and the Nordenfelt wide band. This is pretty distinctive. If I had to make a choice, would go German.
 
Good afternoon gents, Many thanks for the replies and information most greatly received. I now know what it is. All the best Paul
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top