Description
U.S. 3-Inch Field Gun Brass Cartridge Case – Models of 1902, 1904, and 1905
Item Overview
This is an original brass cartridge case for the U.S. Army 3-inch field guns, Models of 1902, 1904, and 1905. The case head is marked for all three models, confirming that it was intended for use across this related family of field guns. It formed the lower portion of a fixed artillery round, holding the primer, propellant charge, and projectile together as one unit for loading. This listing includes the empty cartridge case with its primer still installed. No projectile, fuze, or propellant charge is included. The primer’s internal condition has been verified, so the item is represented as a completely inert assembly.
Identification and Features
A 1917 field-artillery manual describes this pattern as a solid-drawn brass case measuring 10.8 inches long, with an internal capacity of 66.5 cubic inches and a nominal weight of 2.25 pounds with the primer installed. Its heavy rim allowed the gun’s extractor to remove the case after firing. The large central primer ignited the smokeless-powder charge used in service ammunition. Visible markings include “3 IN. F.G. GUNS” and “MOD. OF 1902-04 & 05,” Period ammunition used a circular groove in the case head as a color-identification feature. Red identified high-explosive shrapnel, yellow identified common shrapnel, and black identified high-explosive shell ammunition. The present darkened surface does not retain enough dependable color information to determine this case’s original loading. It should not be assigned to a particular projectile or ammunition configuration without additional markings or documented provenance.
- Official application: U.S. 3-inch field guns
- Compatible models marked on case: 1902, 1904, and 1905
- Material: Solid-drawn brass
- Nominal case length: 10.8 inches
- Nominal capacity: 66.5 cubic inches
- Nominal weight with primer: 2.25 pounds
- Ammunition type: Fixed artillery ammunition
- Primer: Retained; internal condition unknown
- Included component: Empty cartridge case only
Historical Background
The 3-inch field guns of 1902, 1904, and 1905 were part of an important period of modernization for U.S. Army field artillery. They replaced older field pieces that moved out of position when fired and had to be aimed again after nearly every shot. The newer guns used a long-recoil system that allowed the barrel to move rearward approximately 45 inches while the carriage remained in place. This system allowed trained crews to load, aim, and fire more quickly. The Model of 1902 used a built-up nickel-steel gun tube and was followed by the Model of 1904 with a revised breech mechanism. The Model of 1905 reduced the gun’s weight and included changes to the tube, supporting components, and rifling. A Model of 1905 gun weighed approximately 788 pounds, while the complete gun and carriage weighed about 2,520 pounds. Period manuals list a muzzle velocity of approximately 1,700 feet per second for shrapnel and 1,600 feet per second for shell, with a range of 6,000 yards at 15 degrees of elevation and a maximum range of approximately 8,500 yards under special conditions. Standard fixed ammunition used a 15-pound projectile, while a complete loaded round weighed approximately 18.75 pounds. Available service loads included common shrapnel, high-explosive shrapnel, and common steel shell. These guns equipped Regular Army and National Guard artillery units during the years before World War I and were widely used for gunnery instruction and mobilization training. Historical photographs document Model of 1902 guns in National Guard training during 1913 and 3-inch field guns in action at Camp Doniphan during 1917–1918. The U.S. Army relied heavily on other artillery designs overseas during World War I, leaving much of the 3-inch field-gun family in stateside training service. The service history of this individual cartridge case is unknown.
Condition
This empty cartridge case is in aged and unrestored military-surplus condition. The brass has a heavy dark-brown patina with oxidation, staining, scratches, scuffs, surface roughness, and areas of exposed metal. The case body shows dents, shallow creases, and uneven wear, including visible deformation near the mouth. The mouth and projecting base rim have dents and edge damage. The primer remains installed and shows a central impression, its firing and internal condition have been verified inert. The main gun-model markings remain readable, while other base markings are faint, worn, or partly obscured by corrosion and surface deposits. The interior shows age-related discoloration and residue, and its complete internal condition is unknown. No claim is made that the case is suitable for loading, firing, or restoration to an operational cartridge.
Ideal For
This cartridge case is well suited to collections focused on early U.S. field artillery, World War I training equipment, American ammunition development, or marked artillery cases. Its unusual multi-model marking directly connects it with the Models of 1902, 1904, and 1905 rather than an unidentified 3-inch weapon. The aged condition preserves the appearance of a field-used or long-stored military component. It can support museum exhibits, educational displays, restoration research, and historical ordnance collections. The case is offered as an empty historical component and not as complete ammunition.
- Early U.S. field-artillery collections
- World War I training displays
- Artillery cartridge-case collections
- Model 1902, 1904, and 1905 gun displays
- Military museum interpretation
- Headstamp and ammunition research
Approx length 10.8", Approx width 3.5", Approx height 3.5", Approx weight 2.25 lbs.
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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