9.2" Howitzer Crate Information/Identification

[Guest Tyler89797]

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone could help find information on a 1917 wooden crate. I recently received this nice old storage crate and have had trouble finding information on its long history.

The box itself is solidly built from 1 inch timber with a top opening lid which has a latch to lock the box. Currently I have managed to locate three markings on the box, two of which are still easily read.

(# is used to represent illegible sections)

1) In the middle of the front face reads: BL 9.2 INCH HOW##II <-------roman numerals (too faded to be seen properly and impossible to get a good photo)

2) On the front edge of the right end the following is stamped into the timber: RCD 1917 9.2 No.11

3)On the inner face of the lid is painted: SIGHT TO BE SET TO ZERO BEFORE PLACING IN BOX

This leads me to believe it originally served as the storage crate for the sights from a breechloading 9.2" howitzer. However I am still confused with what the RCD and No.11 sections stamped onto the side represent.

Any confirmation of my guess or other information would be much appreciated.

[Andrew Upton]

This leads me to believe it originally served as the storage crate for the sights from a breechloading 9.2" howitzer. However I am still confused with what the RCD and No.11 sections stamped onto the side represent.

RCD = Royal Carriage Department, ie the place the box was made.

[Old Tom]

It depends on what the case maker had in mind when making the case. The sight, a dial sight is quite small, would almost go into a shoe box, but if its mounting was included would be much larger. My knowledge of the piece is limited but it was not moved as a single unit and perhaps the sight and mounting was removed when on the move between site or from the manufacturer.

Old Tom

[Dai Bach y Sowldiwr]

Can you give some idea of the size of the box?

[Guest Tyler89797]

The Outer Dimensions: 82.5 cm x 59.5 cm x 47 cm

The Inner Dimensions: 76 cm x 53 cm x 40.5 cm

The reason i made that guess was that i found a diagram of the assembled sights which are quite large (~78 cm long)