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Hi,

Is anyone able to tell me from the pictures what these would have been used for? I had guessed the larger round would have been used in an aircraft cannon given its size?

The little one looks like a lighter, would this have been sold like this or are they genuine bullets that have been made in to lighters as a DIY job? I assume both were WW2 era as most of the other items I have inherited recently appear to be. I have started adding a few pics will put more when I get round to it. Not all firearm related so may not be of much interest to people in this forum.

https://flic.kr/ps/3UWnzx

Thanks

Steve

The making of useful items out spend cartridges like lighters was not uncommon during both World Wars. The more decorative work is generally known as trench art, not a soldiers time was spent in trenches being shot at or shelled.

The production of lighters by those with the skill and resources was often a good little earner. The lighters used what ever petrol was available.
The larger shell might be a Bofors gun shell, measure the diameter it should be 40mm.

303 & 20mm, the head stamps will tell the story, what are they ?

Moved to the correct forum.

Be aware future mis-posts will be removed.

If in doubt ask!

channel12 wrote:The making of useful items out spend cartridges like lighters was not uncommon during both World Wars. The more decorative work is generally known as trench art, not a soldiers time was spent in trenches being shot at or shelled.

The production of lighters by those with the skill and resources was often a good little earner. The lighters used what ever petrol was available.
The larger shell might be a Bofors gun shell, measure the diameter it should be 40mm.

Thanks! Not heard the term trench art before, found loads more examples now I know what I'm searching for.

DanTheMan wrote:303 & 20mm, the head stamps will tell the story, what are they ?

Just got back so took a pic of the end, been looking on google as well as was wondering what type of guns these were fired from being so big.

dromia wrote:Moved to the correct forum.

Be aware future mis-posts will be removed.

If in doubt ask!

Sorry Dromia,

I didn't know if it would be appropriate in this section due to it being more of a historical question, I'll ask next time!

Steve12345 wrote:

DanTheMan wrote:303 & 20mm, the head stamps will tell the story, what are they ?

Just got back so took a pic of the end, been looking on google as well as was wondering what type of guns these were fired from being so big.

I think this is a 20mm cannon shell made by the Barking brassware company. Used in a Hispano Suiza cannon, used in many British aircraft.

1066 wrote:

Steve12345 wrote: I think this is a 20mm cannon shell made by the Barking brassware company. Used in a Hispano Suiza cannon, used in many British aircraft.

I would agree. I have a similar 20mm case from the Halls Telephone company.

Ovenpaa wrote: I have a similar 20mm case from the Halls Telephone company.

Hmmm, shows how resourceful and widespread the war effort was when industry was mobilised, and it definitely sends a message too !