Description
U.S. Navy 3-Pounder W.N.Y. Mark 1 Mod 1 Saluting Cartridge Case
Item Overview
This original U.S. Navy 3-pounder saluting cartridge case was made for the 47mm, or 1.85-inch, naval gun family. It is marked “W.N.Y.” and “Mk 1-1,” identifying Washington Navy Yard production and a Mark 1 Modification 1 case pattern. This is an empty cartridge case intended for collecting, research, or display.
Identification and Markings
Item type: Saluting cartridge case
Service: U.S. Navy
Caliber class: 3-pounder, approximately 47mm or 1.85 inches
Manufacturer marking: W.N.Y., Washington Navy Yard
Case designation: Mk 1-1, read as Mark 1 Modification 1
Ammunition type: Fixed-case blank or saluting ammunition
Material: Brass
Included: Cartridge case only
How Saluting Ammunition Worked
A complete saluting cartridge used a blank powder charge secured inside the case with protective wads or closures. It produced the sound and smoke of gunfire without launching a projectile. The brass case sealed the chamber during firing and was extracted through the breech after each salute.
Weapons-System History
U.S. Navy 3-pounder guns were 47mm rapid-fire weapons first used as light defensive armament on battleships, cruisers, gunboats, and patrol vessels. Their original role was to stop fast torpedo boats and other small craft before they could reach a larger warship. These guns used fixed-case ammunition, which allowed faster loading than separate projectile and powder systems.
Conversion to Ceremonial Service
As more powerful weapons replaced the 3-pounder in combat roles, many surviving guns remained useful for saluting and line-throwing service. Navy ordnance records describe several 3-pounder gun marks that began as rapid-fire weapons but were later operated as single-shot saluting guns. Their sturdy breeches, manageable ammunition, and loud report made them well suited for ceremonial use.
History of Use
Saluting cartridges were fired during formal naval ceremonies, ship arrivals and departures, national observances, official visits, memorial events, and honors for senior officers or government officials. The number of shots depended on the occasion and the rank of the person being honored. These blank cartridges continued a naval signaling tradition while allowing older 3-pounder guns to remain in useful service.
Washington Navy Yard History
The Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., became a major center for U.S. Navy ordnance production during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Its Naval Gun Factory manufactured and repaired guns, breech mechanisms, ammunition components, and related equipment for the fleet. The “W.N.Y.” marking connects this case with that important period of American naval manufacturing.
Condition
This is original military-surplus brass and may show tarnish, oxidation, scratches, dents, staining, residue, worn markings, or other signs of age and storage. This listing is for the case only. No projectile, blank powder charge, wad, gun, or other ammunition component is included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Ideal For
This case is well suited for U.S. Navy collections, early naval-ammunition displays, Washington Navy Yard exhibits, saluting-gun collections, antique brass-case displays, military museums, restoration references, and educational collections.
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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