British, Cold War - Dated 1965, Royal Navy ‘N’ Marked, A/S 12 Anti-Submarine Brass Cartridge Case, Trench Art Ashtray Conversion, ECC

An original British Cold War Royal Navy brass cartridge case, dated 1965 and later cut down for use as a trench-art style ashtray or desk piece. Retaining its original military markings and struck primer assembly, this is an attractive and unusual example of post-service adaptation. The prominent Royal Navy ‘N’ ownership mark and A/S 12 designation indicate manufacture for a specialist anti-submarine naval ordnance system rather than conventional gun ammunition, giving the piece a particularly desirable Cold War naval association.

The base is marked A/S 12, LOT 31, ECC, 1965, together with a British broad arrow government ownership mark and a large N denoting Royal Navy acceptance or service use. Further markings include FV and 3D inspection stamps in ovals, representing British military quality-control and acceptance marks. The ECC maker's code is commonly attributed to Edward Curran & Co. of Cardiff, Wales, a significant British defence contractor known for producing cartridge cases and ordnance components during the mid-20th century.

The A/S 12 marking is understood to denote Anti-Submarine Mark 12, identifying the cartridge as part of a specialist Royal Navy anti-submarine system rather than a standard naval gun round. Such ammunition formed part of Britain's Cold War anti-submarine warfare capability and is associated with naval mortar systems designed to project depth charges or anti-submarine projectiles ahead of a vessel. These systems formed a major element of Royal Navy fleet defence during the Cold War period.

The original primer assembly remains fitted and is marked N38 MK1, together with CY 5/65 and LOT 27. The CY code denotes Royal Ordnance Factory Chorley, indicating assembly during May 1965. The N38 Mk1 percussion primer was a standard British military primer type used across a variety of medium-calibre ordnance systems. Additional inspection symbols, including a small hexagonal acceptance stamp, remain visible around the primer housing.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 5.3 cm. Base diameter: 7.5 cm.

History Note:
The conversion of spent military cartridge cases into decorative and practical items became a widespread tradition from the First World War onward and continued throughout later military service. While often collectively referred to as "trench art," many such pieces were produced aboard ships, within workshops, or by servicemen themselves as souvenirs and keepsakes. Naval brass cases proved especially suited to this purpose due to their substantial construction and attractive finish.

*Condition*
The case has been permanently shortened from its original configuration for use as an ashtray or desk ornament. The primer is struck/spent and remains fitted. Surface wear, scratches, oxidation, age-related patination and handling marks are present throughout, with verdigris visible internally. The upper cut rim shows slight unevenness consistent with period workshop conversion and use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

An unusual and attractive Royal Navy Cold War trench-art conversion retaining clear anti-submarine markings, naval ownership stamps, and its original N38 Mk1 primer assembly.