British Royal Navy, Cold War - 1975 Dated, QF 3-Pounder Blank Cartridge Case, RLB Birtley, Naval Saluting Round, 1974 Dated Primer

*British Royal Navy, Cold War - 1975 Dated, QF 3-Pounder Blank Cartridge Case, RLB Birtley, Naval Saluting Round, 1974 Dated Primer*

An excellent and highly displayable original British QF 3-Pounder blank cartridge case, clearly dated 1975 and produced at the renowned Royal Laboratory Birtley (RLB). A classic Cold War-era naval/ceremonial blank case, offered as a completely inert brass display piece, ideal for collectors of British ordnance and naval artillery items.

This is a 3-Pounder blank (3Pr BLANK) case, as clearly headstamped, used for ceremonial firing, training, and saluting purposes rather than live projectile use. The tall, straight-walled brass form is characteristic of blank cases, designed to produce report and muzzle flash without a projectile.

The base is crisply marked:
“3PR BLANK / 6 / LOT 50 / RLB 1975”, along with the British Broad Arrow government ownership mark, and additional inspector/acceptance marks including “N” and “3151.” The large stamped “N” on the base denotes Naval service acceptance, confirming this example as a Royal Navy-issued blank cartridge. The RLB (Royal Laboratory Birtley) marking is particularly desirable, as Birtley was a key British ordnance manufacturer known for high-quality cartridge production throughout the 20th century.

The primer remains in place and is marked:
“20 MK.2 EMI”, with surrounding lot and date codes including “65 CY 6/74”, indicating a Cordite-filled primer manufactured in June 1974—perfectly consistent with assembly into a 1975-loaded case.

Internally, the case shows typical verdigris and residue consistent with age and prior firing/use, further supporting authenticity.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 24.9 cm. Base diameter: 6.5 cm.

History Note:
The QF 3-Pounder gun was one of Britain’s long-serving light naval artillery pieces, originally introduced in the late 19th century and remaining in various roles well into the 20th century. By the Cold War period, blank cartridges such as this example were commonly used for ceremonial salutes, naval honours, and training applications, rather than combat use. Cases from the later RLB production era represent the final phase of British brass ordnance manufacture before wider transition to alternative materials.

*Condition*
Good original condition with attractive aged brass patina. Surface wear, handling marks, and light scratching visible throughout, consistent with service use. Interior shows verdigris and residue. Primer present and intact. No major dents or structural damage noted; displays very well. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQ#3209BE_9214239525