British, c.1890–1910, Royal Navy QF 6-Pounder Hotchkiss Mark III Brass Shell Case – Kynoch Manufacture – Naval Anchor Mark - 269

*British, c.1890–1910, Royal Navy QF 6-Pounder Hotchkiss Mark III Brass Shell Case – Kynoch Manufacture – Naval Anchor Mark*

An original British Royal Navy Quick-Firing (QF) 6-Pounder Hotchkiss brass shell case, identified as a Mark III pattern and manufactured for naval service use. Retaining its original Royal Navy anchor marking, Kynoch manufacturer stamp, inspection marks, and lot number, this is an attractive late Victorian to early 20th-century naval ordnance display piece. The long tapered profile with extraction slots near the mouth is immediately recognisable as the classic 6-Pounder Hotchkiss cartridge case used aboard Royal Navy warships as anti-torpedo boat armament.

The headstamp includes 6 PR III, identifying the cartridge as a 6-Pounder Mark III pattern, together with a Royal Navy anchor mark, Lot 49 production batch number, government inspection markings including a Broad Arrow over 6, and K, attributed to Kynoch Ltd. of Birmingham, one of Britain's principal ammunition manufacturers. The CF marking denotes the original cordite loading specification.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 30.6 cm. Base diameter: 7.5 cm.

History Note:
The QF 6-Pounder Hotchkiss gun entered British naval service during the late nineteenth century as a rapid-fire defence weapon intended to counter the growing threat posed by fast torpedo boats. Mounted aboard cruisers, battleships and smaller naval vessels throughout the British Empire, these guns became a familiar sight aboard Royal Navy ships during the late Victorian and Edwardian era. Although eventually superseded by newer quick-firing weapons, examples saw long service lives and remain highly collectible today.

*Condition*
Original aged condition with attractive dark brass patina throughout and signs of age, handling and service wear. Retains visible headstamp details and naval markings. Interior shows age-related oxidation. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQ