Description
U.S. Navy 3-Pounder W.N.Y. Mk 1 Saluting Case with Black Lettering
Item Overview
This U.S. Navy 3-pounder W.N.Y. Mk 1 saluting case was made for ceremonial blank ammunition. It features black lettering and markings associated with the Washington Navy Yard. This listing is for the cartridge case only, not a complete round.
Identification and Features
Item type: Saluting cartridge case
Service: U.S. Navy
Caliber family: 3-pounder, approximately 47mm
Pattern marking: Mk 1
Facility marking: W.N.Y., associated with Washington Navy Yard
Lettering: Black
Original purpose: Ceremonial blank firing without a projectile
Purpose and Operation
A saluting cartridge produced the sound and smoke needed for naval honors, ceremonies, and official signals without launching a projectile. The name “3-pounder” came from the approximate weight of the projectile used in regular service ammunition, not the weight of this empty case. The Mk 1 marking identifies the marked case pattern and should not be treated as proof that it was limited to one specific model of gun.
Weapons-System History
The U.S. Navy’s 3-pounder family consisted of 1.85-inch, or 47mm, rapid-fire guns introduced during the late 1800s. Early versions included the 40-caliber Mark I Hotchkiss gun, along with later Hotchkiss, Driggs-Schroeder, Maxim-Nordenfelt, and Vickers designs. These light guns were first used to defend warships against torpedo boats and other small targets at close range.
History of Saluting Use
As larger and faster weapons replaced the 3-pounder in combat, many of the guns remained useful for ceremonial service. U.S. Navy ships carried 3-pounder saluting guns for honors, official arrivals, flag ceremonies, commemorations, and other naval events. This case represents that long ceremonial role rather than the gun’s earlier combat mission.
Washington Navy Yard History
The Washington Navy Yard became the U.S. Navy’s main ordnance manufacturing center in 1886. Its workers produced and supported naval guns, ammunition components, and other military equipment for decades. The W.N.Y. marking connects this case with that important American naval-ordnance history, although the markings provided do not establish an exact production date.
Condition and Safety
This historic surplus case may show scratches, dents, tarnish, oxidation, finish wear, faded lettering, residue, or other signs of age and handling. Black-lettered markings may vary in clarity. Primer status and internal residue have not been confirmed unless specifically stated, so this collectible case should not be loaded, altered, or fired.
Ideal For
This 3-pounder saluting case is well suited for U.S. Navy collections, Washington Navy Yard displays, naval artillery exhibits, cartridge-case collections, military museums, historical research, and ceremonial-gun displays. No gun, projectile, propellant, packaging, or related equipment is included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Approx length 9.5", Approx width 2.5", Approx height 2.5", Approx weight 1.4lbs.
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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