~ WW1 British Battlefield Relic Tank Shell Case With Rare Primer Cover #1 ~
A First World War British tank shell complete with rare primer cover.
The primer cover is of brass; it clips on the end of the shell and was used to protect the primer during storage and transportation. It would have been removed before use. These covers were only used on tank shells.
The covers are rather rare and we find they do not come up for sale very often.
The primer cover is stamped with the broad arrow mark, the initials ‘RL’ and three lines which could be three I’s (as in the Roman Numerals for 3).
The shell is a standard 3 inch tank shell. It has multiple stamps to the underside (please refer to images).
~ Dimensions ~
The shell measures 3 inches (7.5cm) by 12 inches (30.5cm).
It weighs 1.05 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The shell looks to have been salvaged from water/the sea and has a chalky/salty residue in parts and a slightly dulled finish.
The primer cover has fared much better and still retains much of its polished finish.
Both pieces are free from damage.
