British, WWII - 1943 Dated, 20mm Oerlikon Anti-Aircraft Autocannon Shell Casing – Raleigh Cycle Co. (RH) – OeZ Nitrocellulose Loading - 258

*British, WWII - 1943 Dated, 20mm Oerlikon Anti-Aircraft Autocannon Shell Casing – Raleigh Cycle Co. (RH) – OeZ Nitrocellulose Loading*

A genuine World War II British 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft autocannon brass shell casing dated 1943. The base is headstamped RH 1943 OeZ, identifying manufacture by the Raleigh Cycle Company Ltd., Nottingham, one of many British civilian manufacturers redirected to wartime production during the Second World War. The OeZ marking denotes Oerlikon loading with nitrocellulose propellant rather than traditional cordite.

This example appears to be a shortened or cut-down fired case rather than a full-length surviving cartridge case, retaining good wartime character and service patina.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 8cm. Base diameter: 2.3cm.

History Note:
The 20mm Oerlikon was among the most important light anti-aircraft weapons used by Allied forces during World War II. Mounted aboard Royal Navy warships, merchant vessels and coastal installations, it proved highly effective against low-flying aircraft and dive bombers. By 1942 these guns had become standard defensive armament across much of the Allied fleet and saw action in virtually every theatre of war.

*Condition*
Shows age-related wear, oxidation, surface marks and areas of patination consistent with wartime brass. The case has been shortened from original specification. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQ