*British, WW1, 18-Pounder Mk II Field Gun Shell Case, Dated 1916, ALCO*
An original brass shell case for the British QF 18-Pounder field gun, the standard British light field artillery piece of the First World War. The case retains its full cylindrical form with rolled base rim and shows clear service markings to the head.
Headstamped markings include “18 PR II” denoting an 18-Pounder cartridge case, Mark II pattern. The maker’s mark “ALCO” indicates production by the Aluminium Company (Alco), a known wartime contractor, with the date 1916, placing manufacture during the height of British artillery ammunition production. Other markings include Lot 293, an inspector’s “A” in a circle, and additional acceptance and workshop stamps.
The primer is separately marked “No.1 / 11”, with “K.N. 5/17” and “MC”, indicating a No.1 type primer fitted or inspected in May 1917, typical of service replenishment or re-loading practice during the war.
Approx. Measurements – Base diameter: 10.1 cm. Overall height: 26.9 cm.
Historical Note:
The QF 18-Pounder gun formed the backbone of British field artillery from 1914 onwards, valued for its high rate of fire and reliability. Shell cases such as this were produced in enormous quantities as artillery became the decisive arm of trench warfare on the Western Front.
The Mark II case represented an improved pattern capable of withstanding repeated firing cycles where cases were recovered and re-primed. The separate primer date of 5/17 strongly suggests this case saw at least one subsequent preparation after initial manufacture, reflecting the wartime practice of refurbishing and reissuing brass cases to maintain ammunition supply under intense operational demand.
Factory lot numbers and inspection marks were crucial for tracing quality control and identifying production batches, particularly during the peak shell-production years following the 1915 “shell crisis.” Examples with clear, legible headstamps such as this are increasingly desirable.
*Condition*
A genuine used example showing expected service and age-related wear. The brass has developed a pleasing mellow tone with scattered marks, light surface scratching and areas of staining. The mouth shows an old cut or trimming with slight irregularity to the rim. Headstamp and primer markings remain clear and readable. Structurally sound display piece. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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