*Belgian, Cold War 1984, 90mm Cockerill Mk III Low-Pressure Gun Cartridge Case, Inert, PRB Manufacture, Armoured Vehicle Ammunition*
A genuine Cold War period 90mm brass cartridge case for the Cockerill Mk III low-pressure gun, manufactured in Belgium and dated 1984, retaining clear factory headstamp markings together with original black stencilled loading information. This type of ammunition was produced for export armoured vehicles fitted with the Belgian Cockerill 90mm gun system and is distinctly different from earlier American 90mm anti-aircraft or tank ammunition, being shorter and designed for low-recoil armoured car and light tank use.
The case is of brass construction with wide rim and central primer aperture, the base double marked with both stamped and inked factory data.
Headstamp reads:
90MM NR 5499 A1
MMJ-2-22 84
Black printed markings include:
90MM HE-APER
NR 219 A1
RAG-T-HVV
FOR GUN MK III
LOT PRB 9
III
The stamped markings identify the specific NR 5499 A1 cartridge case type and production batch, while the black ink markings relate to the loaded round specification. This confirms the case was used for 90mm HE-APER (High Explosive Anti-Personnel / Fragmentation) ammunition intended for the Cockerill Mk III low-pressure gun system. The "NR" designation and lot codes correspond to Belgian manufacture by Poudreries Réunies de Belgique (PRB), a major NATO ammunition producer during the Cold War.
This type of ammunition was used on vehicles such as the EE-9 Cascavel, Piranha 90, Alvis Scorpion 90, and other export armoured cars fitted with Belgian 90mm guns. The shorter case length of approximately 35 cm confirms the low-pressure 90×352 mmR cartridge, rather than the much longer 60 cm American 90mm rounds.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 35.2 cm. Base diameter: 10 cm.
Historical Note:
During the late Cold War, Belgian manufacturers including PRB and Cockerill developed a range of low-pressure 90mm gun systems intended for armoured cars and light tanks where full-power tank guns would produce excessive recoil. These weapons were widely exported to NATO and non-NATO countries and saw service across Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. Ammunition was typically brass-cased and marked using the Belgian NR (Nouveau Régime/Nouveau Référence) designation system rather than American M-series nomenclature.
*Condition*
Good original condition with honest service wear, surface marks, and age patina to the brass. Headstamp and ink markings remain clearly readable. Primer pocket empty. Inert fired case only. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
