*British, Dated 1905, Reissued WW1 1914, QF 18-Pounder Mark I Brass Shell Case, Maribyrnong (MA) Manufacture, Kynoch Marked*
An excellent and highly desirable original British QF 18-Pounder Mark I brass cartridge case, dated 1905 and offered as a completely inert display piece, empty and free from all explosive or energetic components. This is a particularly strong early example, combining pre-war manufacture with confirmed First World War reissue, making it far more interesting than the more commonly encountered mid-war cases.
The base is clearly marked “18 PR I”, denoting the Mark I pattern case for the QF 18-pounder field gun, with the date 1905, placing it within the very first years of production following the gun’s introduction in 1904. Further inspection marks include a clearly stamped 13 September 1905 acceptance date, enhancing the clarity and historical integrity of the example. The “MA” factory code identifies manufacture at the Maribyrnong Arsenal in Australia, a desirable and less commonly encountered Commonwealth production origin. Cases of this type illustrate the early logistical network of the British Empire, with ammunition produced in Australia and shipped for service use across the Empire. Surviving examples from this early production phase are notably scarcer than later wartime manufacture.
The case displays clear evidence of extended service life. The presence of the Kynoch (“K N”) cartouche indicates later inspection, handling, or refurbishment within British supply chains. The original “C.F.” (Cordite Full Charge) marking has been struck through and accompanied by “A.C.” (Annealed Case) and batch number 519, confirming that the case was reconditioned and returned to service.
Most significantly, the case retains its No.1 Mk II primer dated July 1914, placing its reissue at the very outbreak of the First World War. Additional primer markings, including “CO 22 / 14”, represent inspection or batch codes associated with this 1914 refurbishment and loading cycle. This firmly links the piece to the mobilisation period, where earlier stock such as this was brought back into active service.
Overall, this is a superb multi-period piece—manufactured pre-war, reworked, and reissued at the outbreak of WWI—with strong, legible markings and excellent collector appeal.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 29.4 cm. Base diameter: 10.2 cm.
History Note:
The QF 18-pounder field gun, introduced in 1904, became the principal field artillery weapon of the British Army and Commonwealth forces throughout the First World War. Its reliability, accuracy, and rapid rate of fire made it one of the most important artillery systems of the conflict.
Early cartridge cases such as this 1905-dated example represent the initial phase of production before the vast industrial expansion of wartime manufacturing. As demand increased in 1914, earlier cases were routinely recovered, annealed, re-primed, and reissued, often serving multiple operational cycles. Examples retaining clear evidence of this process—particularly those combining early manufacture and confirmed WWI reissue—are increasingly sought after by collectors.
*Condition*
Good overall condition for age, with a solid, stable structure and no cracks or major structural faults observed. The brass retains a pleasing, untouched aged patina with areas of surface wear, staining, and verdigris consistent with age and service use. Base markings remain clear and well defined. Primer is present. Interior shows expected residue from firing and long-term storage. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3207BI_2655239372
