British Royal Navy, Dated 1968, 4.5-Inch Naval Gun Brass Cartridge Case, Mk 3–5 Guns, by ECC (Edward Curran & Co)

*British Royal Navy, Dated 1968, 4.5-Inch Naval Gun Brass Cartridge Case, Mk 3–5 Guns, by ECC (Edward Curran & Co)*

An excellent and highly displayable original British Royal Navy 4.5-inch naval gun cartridge case, offered as a completely inert display piece. This is a hollow brass casing, making it entirely safe for collection and display. A classic Cold War-era naval ordnance piece with strong visual presence and clear, well-documented markings.

This is a full-size QF (Quick-Firing) brass cartridge case for the standard Royal Navy 4.5-inch (113mm) gun system, used extensively aboard destroyers and frigates from the Second World War through the late 20th century. The case is correctly proportioned (64 cm tall) and retains its original primer assembly, adding to its authenticity and collector appeal.

The base is clearly marked and provides excellent identification detail:

“4.5 IN MARKS 3–5 GUNS” – confirming compatibility with the Royal Navy Mk 3, 4 and 5 gun systems
“N5” – Naval service designation
Broad Arrow – British Government ownership mark
“ECC” – Edward Curran & Company, Cardiff, a well-known British munitions manufacturer
“LOT 931 / 1968” – batch number and year of manufacture

Additional black stencil markings include:
“No 9” – cartridge case type designation
“12LB 10.0z” – original propellant charge weight (12 pounds, 10 ounces)
“BE 1/69” – filling/assembly date (January 1969)

The primer is also present and marked “GD 1/68,” indicating manufacture in January 1968.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 64 cm. Base diameter: 16.5 cm.

History Note:
Historically, these cases were used with the Royal Navy’s ubiquitous 4.5-inch gun system, a mainstay armament fitted to numerous classes including post-war destroyers and frigates. By the late 1960s, when this example was produced, the 4.5-inch gun remained central to naval gunnery, providing surface fire support and anti-aircraft capability during a period of high Cold War operational readiness.

*Condition*
Condition is good overall for a used service case. The brass retains a pleasing aged patina throughout, with scattered surface marks, oxidation, and handling wear consistent with naval use and long-term storage. There is a noticeable dent to the upper body, typical of ejected cases and generally accepted by collectors as honest service wear rather than damage. The base markings remain clear and legible, and the primer is intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

Please contact the shop prior to purchase if you'd like to organise collection.

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