Bullet question

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#1 Post by **Steve12345** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 10:29 pm

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

#2 Post by **channel12** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 11:12 pm

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.

#3 Post by **DanTheMan** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 11:57 pm

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

#4 Post by **dromia** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 8:30 am

Moved to the correct forum.

Be aware future mis-posts will be removed.

If in doubt ask!

#5 Post by **Steve12345** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:25 pm

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.

#6 Post by **Steve12345** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:27 pm

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.

#7 Post by **Steve12345** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:29 pm

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!

#8 Post by **1066** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 10:09 pm

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.

#9 Post by **Ovenpaa** » Sun Nov 29, 2020 10:16 am

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.

#10 Post by **meles meles** » Sun Nov 29, 2020 10:28 am

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 !

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