Trench art Xmas present

[bruce]

I know very litte about artillery, or shall cases, but I am delighted to have been given a shell case made into a candlestick. Now......that exactly is it?

On the base, in the middle is R S D,2716 and No.5.1

Around the outside, 2PR.I, M.D.Co, and CF. Also rather smaller are D N 1, 11 in a circle, 1 in a C, and 14.6.16.

I am guessing from its small size that it was for a two pounder (was that a Pom-pom?), and that it was manufactured in 1916. Beyond that, I have no idea what it all means. I am sure there are experts out there who can help!

Bruce

[centurion]

Not so much trench art as focsle art I suspect. 2 pounders were used as naval AA guns. A good many 2 pounder cartridge cases were then converted for use as depth charge launchers (with an overstamp)

[bruce]

Many thanks, Centurion.

I knew there would be someone who'd know.

Now.....what do all the initials on the base mean

Bruce

[TonyE]

Primer (Centre) :

RSD is the manufacturer, but do not know who.

2 7 16 is date of manufacture

5.1 is type of primer, No.5 Mark I

Case:

2 PR I is identity, 2 Pounder Mark I

M.D. Co. is the manufacturer, Metal Drawing Co., St,Catherine's, Ontario.

CF is Cordite Full charge.

1 in a C is actually a broad arrow within a C, the Canadian government ownership mark equivalent to the British broad arrow.

14.6.16 is date of manufacture

Other marks are inspection marks.

Regards

TonyE

[bruce]

Many thanks Tony.

I'm sure that the person who gave it me had no idea that they were giving me a Canadian-made anti-aircraft shell case!

Thanks

Bruce

[centurion]

And since it doesn't have an overstamp indicating a reduced charge (thanks Tony) it isn't one of the ones converted for use in depth charge throwers.