Historical information

The symbol of the broad arrow on the base of the shell case dignifies that it was owned by the Australian Army. The dates of the shell cases - 1940 and 1941 - link the shell cases with World War II. Both cases headstamps have "N", which could indicate that they were made for use by the Navy.

Shell Case 1298.01:
The headstamp code on the label "MEC" means that it was made by the Explosives Factory Maribyrnong - Cordite Annexe, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, which made cordite propellant for cartridges and shells.

Shell Case 1298.02:
The headstamp conde "MF" means that it was made by the Small Arms Manufacturing Factory in Footscray, Melbourne and the stamped year was 1941.

Significance

These shell cases are significant for their relationship with the Australian Army in general and in particular with the defence of Australia during World War II.

Physical description

Shell case; two brass 4" rimmed shell cases with headstamps (inscriptions) on the base plate around the firing pin. Label attached to one shell.

Inscriptions & markings

Shell Case 1298.01 -
Printed stamp “P.2BT” “M.E.C.111” “I.E. 10/43”. Stamped into base “N”, “1940” “W [within lozenge]”, “S” symbol [Australian Government Arrow] “360“ . Around firing pin “MF I 422” “ME” “II” “4 I N” “5-“ ”MF [within rectangle]” “f” “B – [within circle]”,

Shell Case 1298.02 -
headstamp “N 1941 MF / F symbol [square box] LOT 679”, [in oval] 101 / 4 / S /U2) M GUNS 7 “, symbol [Australian Government Arrow], Stencil [in red circle] “B J”, symbol [Diamond with line top to bottom]
Stamped in red ink “R5G 11 1 2B7”