Identifying artillery shell, and trench art

[bearhunter325]

The first photo is of a artillery shell I bought and have no clue what it is. The casing is tapered and has no base/primer attached. What is it? Any ideas? Also the second picture is a ww1 50 cal that I was told has trench art on it, that looks like a symbol. Does this symbol mean anything? This probably makes me sounds dumb, lol, but I just started collecting and I'm 16. Thanks.

 

[Falcon]

Does the .50 Cal have any markings on the base? (the proper name is "case head"). If so, those markings would probably contain a date.

It wouldn't be WW1, as I believe development of the .50 Browning didn't start until after WW1.

 

[highlandotter]

The applied medallion with the eagle looks like the Mexican seal. If the eagle is holding a snake, that is it. This would make this some kind of souvenir piece.

 

[raymeketa]

Without any dimensions of the artillery shell, no one can help ID it.

Ray

 

[imaokie2000]

You're real lucky to have the internet and BOCN to start your collection off. It took me 20 years to get off to a good start. I was from a rural area and no one around collected. It was way before the internet was around and it took a long time to meet another collector. Congratulations and have fun!

Now, if the 50 BMG round has a Mexican HS, it's a real prize. I have never seen one. I have only seen the HS in books. I hope for you that the head stamp has "F. De M." or "FNM" on it.

You may find this useful. I sure have!
https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=cef023994dde93cc&id=CEF023994DDE93CC!118

 

[DEADLINE222]

Dang.....

Is there any other detailed information in the form of the above mentioned 50 caliber regarding other ordnance?

 

[bearhunter325]

The headstamp actually says U 4 2. The emblem on it looks Mexican, with an eagle and what looks like a snake in its mouth. I'll post another pic of it

 

[raymeketa]

U 42 means Utah Ordnance Plant, 1942. A fairly common headstamp.