German, Pre-WWII - 1936 Dated, 3.7cm FlaK 18/36 Brass Shell Case – Polte Magdeburg – WaA107 - 266

*German, Pre-WWII - 1936 Dated, 3.7cm FlaK 18/36 Brass Shell Case – Polte Magdeburg – WaA107*

An increasingly difficult-to-find opportunity to acquire an original German pre-war / early World War II 3.7cm FlaK brass cartridge case, manufactured by Polte Armaturen- und Maschinenfabrik AG, Magdeburg, one of Germany’s principal ammunition producers during the rapid rearmament years of the 1930s. Dated 1936, this impressive brass case comes from the formative period immediately before the outbreak of the Second World War and would have been intended for use with the early 3.7cm FlaK anti-aircraft gun family, including the FlaK 18 / FlaK 36 series. Retaining its original headstamp, Waffenamt acceptance mark and primer assembly, this is an especially attractive early example from a period before wartime simplification and the widespread move toward steel cartridge production. 

The headstamp follows a distinctive early four-quadrant arrangement and reads: 38 – 1936 – 6348★ – P, together with a visible WaA107 Waffenamt acceptance eagle. The P identifies Polte of Magdeburg, while 1936 records the production year. The 6348★ marking designates the exact Krupp master factory drawing code assigned to this specific 3.7cm Flak cartridge profile, with the accompanying star (★) denoting production from premium Ms72 brass alloy. The isolated 38 at the 12 o’clock position is an unusual layout feature and represents a production lot or sequential delivery number. The original removable primer assembly remains in place and still retains partially visible inspection and manufacturing marks beneath areas of age-related oxidation.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 26.3 cm. Base diameter: 4.6 cm.

Research Note:
The headstamp layout is consistent with early mid-1930s Polte production practice, using a clean four-quadrant arrangement rather than the more explicit weapon nomenclature commonly encountered on later wartime ammunition. The solitary "38" differs from many later German cartridge layouts and represents an early lot or factory production sequence number. During Germany’s pre-war rearmament phase, factories relied heavily upon drawing references, inspection systems and internal production codes rather than descriptive weapon naming conventions. The 6348★ reference alone was considered sufficient for depot and ordnance identification, creating a streamlined production style characteristic of Germany’s highly organised pre-war military industry.

History Note:
The 3.7cm FlaK series became one of Germany’s principal medium anti-aircraft weapons and saw extensive service throughout the Second World War. Developed from the FlaK 18, later variants including the FlaK 36 and FlaK 37 introduced revised mountings and improved operational features while retaining the same powerful 37mm calibre. Early brass cartridge cases such as this represent the first phase of German expansion and rearmament before wartime necessity increasingly shifted production toward simpler and cheaper steel manufacture.

*Condition*
Displays service and age-related wear throughout with oxidation, staining and surface marks consistent with age and storage, with heavier corrosion present around the primer area. MArkings are still readable with and Waffenamt acceptance mark visible. The original primer assembly remains in place.  A scarce and visually impressive pre-war German ordnance display piece with strong historical appeal. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQ