Cybershooters

[NeilMac]

Any gunners out there?

I have in my possession two fired brass cases that I have been unable to identify.The best I've managed is to determine is what I think they are not!
The cases are similar although the various reloading stamps differ.
The cases are of about 1 1/2" / 40mm calibre, rimmed and approximately 4.25" in height. The case is fairly straight walled although there is a slight taper and shoulder at the neck. Unfortunately I don't have a digital camera at hand.

Both are marked:
2Pr. SUB-CAL. H.A. Mk. II Gun. I.
One case has this overstamped with: 2Pr I M.D.Co.
The other case has what I take to be a date: 1916

The Primer inserts both have two reloading stamps dating to 1926, eg: RL 7/26 RL2/26

There is the usual rash of inspection, reloading stamps, broad arrows etc.

I am quite at a loss as to what these rounds were fired in as they appear to be too early to be the 2Pr Anti-tank gun but too small to be the 2pr Anti aircraft gun. Could they have been used with a chamber insert in the AA gun? Of course this wouldn't be a true "sub-calibre" device but military designations aren't always correct. Alternatively were they part of a Morris tube type Sub-calibre training device for a heavier artillery piece?

All suggestions gratefully received.

Best Wishes,

Neil Mac'

[Carrot Cruncher]

From your description, I would say that they are probably naval saluting cartridges. An adapter was fitted inside the breech of a main battery gun to allow a smaller saluting blank to be fired. 40mm/1.5-2 inch is pretty standard. They were (are) normally loaded with black powder.