*British, WWII - 1942 Dated, 20×110mm Hispano Aircraft Cannon Inert Round – ROF Steeton – WMI Solid Steel AP-Type Projectile – RAF Spitfire / Hurricane*
A substantial and original World War II British 20×110mm Hispano aircraft cannon inert round, manufactured during 1942 for use with the famous Hispano HS.404 autocannon. This impressive wartime display piece consists of a brass cartridge case produced by Royal Ordnance Factory Steeton and fitted with a solid steel projectile marked WMI, retaining its original copper driving band. Completely inert display piece, hollow and free from all explosive or energetic materials.
The Hispano 20mm round became one of the most important aircraft cannon cartridges used by Allied forces during World War II. Introduced to provide far greater destructive capability than rifle-calibre machine guns, the HS.404 cannon armed many iconic RAF and Fleet Air Arm aircraft. Later marks of the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, Bristol Beaufighter, Westland Whirlwind, and naval aircraft relied heavily upon Hispano cannon armament, with four-cannon fighter configurations becoming especially feared by Luftwaffe crews.
This example is fitted with a solid steel projectile carrying the WMI manufacturer's code. The projectile appears to be an armour-piercing (AP-type) or solid training/practice variant rather than a high-explosive type, retaining its copper driving band and wartime finish. Such projectiles were intended for aircraft cannon use where penetration and kinetic impact were required.
Approx. Measurements – Overall length: 18.1 cm. Base diameter: 2.3 cm.
History Note:
Headstamp details:
ST – Royal Ordnance Factory Steeton, Yorkshire
1942 – Year of manufacture
20M/M – 20mm calibre designation
Projectile base marked:
WMI – Believed to represent Welsh Metal Industries, Caerphilly, Wales, a wartime contractor involved in the production of military engineering components and ammunition-related manufacture during the Second World War.
Royal Ordnance Factory Steeton was one of Britain's wartime production facilities responsible for manufacturing cartridge cases and ammunition components. During the war, ammunition production was heavily dispersed among government factories and subcontractors throughout Britain to ensure uninterrupted supply and reduce vulnerability to enemy bombing.
The 20×110mm Hispano cartridge became one of the defining Allied autocannon rounds of the war and remained in service long after 1945, seeing continued use across numerous air forces worldwide.
*Condition*
Good original condition with age-related service wear and patina throughout. Projectile retains its original copper driving band and displays scattered oxidation and surface wear associated with age and storage. Brass cartridge case remains solid with expected handling marks and tarnishing. Primer struck and inactive; case empty and internally hollow. Completely inert display item. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3203D_7798242157
