*British, WW2, 20MM/Z Brass Round, Dated 1940, Made by BMARCo (British Manufacturing and Research Co., Grantham, Lincolnshire), Inert*
Marked:
20mm/Z, BMARCo, 1940
Z – “Z” was used on many calibres to indicate nitrocellulose powder
BMARC(o) is British Manufacturing and Research Co., Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK.
Approximate Measurements: 2.5cm base diameter, 18.4cm height
Originally designed for the 20mm Oerlikon gun and other 20mm automatic cannons, these casings were widely used by both British and American forces during WW2. The 20mm Oerlikon gun, a highly effective anti-aircraft and ship defense weapon, played a crucial role in the air and naval battles. These shell casings were once part of the ammunition fired in defense of warships, aircraft, and ground installations, making them a vital piece of wartime history.
This shell case was produced by Kynoch and loaded by the British Manufacturing & Research Co. (BMARCo) in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Kynoch manufactured cases dated 1939 and 1940, which were headstamped with BMARCo, before halting 20mm case production at its Witton facility for the remainder of World War II. However, Kynoch’s satellite factory at Standish, identified by the K2 code on headstamps, continued to supply 20mm Hispano-Suiza (HS) cases to BMARCo’s loading plant in Grantham during the war.
In British service, a “Z” stamped on the base of a case 20mm or below in caliber indicates that the case is loaded with nitrocellulose flake powder. This is opposed to the typical British Cordite “spaghetti” rod-type propellant.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQAOXAH_6982183087
