25 pounder shell

[Flying10uk]

I recently found this 25 pounder shell and case in an "antiques centre" and thought it too good to pass by on. The 2 items came together so I assume that the shell is correct for the case but wouldn't be unduly surprised if it wasn't.

What I was wondering is why the base of the shell is completely open? Has the base simply rusted away or did it never have one? Perhaps it was a shell intended for training purposes?

Any information greatly received, thanks.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

What I was wondering is why the base of the shell is completely open

Base ejecting smoke...here have a watch.

[Ovidio]

You reminded me of a couple cases I have on my bookshelf…
Both 25 pounders too.
Dad’s finds during the war.

Attachment 121268Attachment 121269

[Ovidio]

That is the second one…

Attachment 121274

[browningautorifle]

a couple cases

First case was made by RLB - Royal Ordnance Factory Birtley, Newcastle. And CF means the case was fully charged.

[Flying10uk]

Thanks Jim. I couldn't quite work out why there was a hole in the base.

---------- Post added at 06:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:11 PM ----------

Dad’s finds during the war.

Hopefully he wasn't on the receiving end.

[Ovidio]

Our house was. But maybe not of exactly these two

[Frank46]

If you wish to clean out the junk inside the case, get some Naval Jelly or phosphoric acid basically the same stuff. Clean out the heavier stuff. And you will need some chemical resistant gloves with long sleeves. Put some naval jelly on a Brillo pad and start scrubbing. Flush with water and if not the way you like it repeat. May not get all of the powder fouling and corrosion, but better than it was before cleaning. I have a bunch of shell casings from WW1 & WW2. Usually fix the dents with a large hunk of aluminum round stock and a dead blow hammer. Then using various grades of silicon carbide paper to get all the scratches out and down to good clean brass. Using my home made buffing setup start polishing with different types of buffing compound. Usually takes about 6 to 8 hours of buffing to get a nice polish. Did some 105mm shell casings for a couple vets in my area. Frank

[CINDERS]

Picked mine up for a case I have at a mil fair years ago it was either tarted up after the fact or fired at extreme range given the lack of damage to the projectile as a whole.
It shares a spot with its mate another smoke round this one was de activated and never fired as the driving bands have not been engraved by the rifling of the barrel also was the 20Pdr only used in the Centurion or was it utilised as a field piece as well.

Lastly for those that have the knowledge here would a smoke round make up a combat load for the tank I understand supporting the troops but it wouldn't it take up room meant for H.E & A.P just curious.

[browningautorifle]

was the 20Pdr only used in the Centurion or was it utilised as a field piece as well.

Just the tank gun.

would a smoke round make up a combat load for the tank

Smoke ammo was used for screening movement of troops and even tanks in action. Yes, they would carry them.

Mine...