Description
2.95-Inch MT Gun Subcaliber Cartridge Case for U.S. 12-Inch Seacoast Mortars – W.P.S. Co., 1918
Item Overview
This 1918-dated brass cartridge case was made for the U.S. 2.95-inch subcaliber gun used with larger 12-inch seacoast mortars. The 2.95-inch designation refers to the bore of the inserted training gun. That gun was mounted inside the 12-inch mortar so Coast Artillery crews could conduct practical firing exercises with smaller ammunition instead of full-size mortar rounds. This listing is for the cartridge case only.
Identification and Features
The case head is marked “2.95 IN MT GUN” and “SUB CAL GUN,” directly identifying its caliber and subcaliber role. It also carries the date 1918 and the maker mark “W.P.S. CO.” The case has brass construction and a central primer opening.
- Caliber: 2.95 inch
- Headstamp: 2.95 IN MT GUN / SUB CAL GUN
- Maker mark: W.P.S. CO.
- Date: 1918
- Documented parent weapon: U.S. 12-inch seacoast mortar
- Included component: cartridge case only
Historical Background
The U.S. Army documented the 2.95-inch subcaliber gun for use in 12-inch seacoast mortar Models 1886, 1886-90M1, 1890, 1890M1, 1908, and 1912, with the required adapters varying by model. Front and rear adapters centered the 2.95-inch gun tube inside the mortar bore, while additional hardware secured it in the chamber. Crews loaded and fired the smaller cartridge through the inserted gun and removed the empty case with a hand extractor. These subcaliber systems supported target practice and instruction in loading, laying, and firing procedures. The parent mortars were short-barreled, high-angle weapons installed in fortified harbor defenses. Army technical manuals continued to list the 2.95-inch gun and its supporting equipment with 12-inch seacoast materiel in 1942.
Condition
The visible case head has age-toned patina, oxidation and spotting, scratches, and normal handling wear. Most of the important headstamp remains readable. The center primer area is open and shows visible residue and surface wear. The fired status and internal condition have not been confirmed, and no claim is made that any component is serviceable. No projectile, subcaliber gun, adapters, storage chest, extractor, or tools are included.
Ideal For
This dated cartridge case is suitable for collections and displays focused on U.S. Coast Artillery, early twentieth-century seacoast defenses, military training equipment, and historic ammunition components. Its clear caliber, subcaliber, maker, and date markings also provide useful reference value for museums, researchers, and advanced ordnance collectors.
- U.S. Coast Artillery displays
- 12-inch seacoast mortar collections
- World War I-era ordnance exhibits
- Headstamp and cartridge-case research
Approx length 7", Approx width 3.5", Approx height 3.5", Approx weight 1.6lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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