Description
1943 U.S. 37mm M16 Brass Cartridge Case for M3, M5 and M6 Guns
Item Overview
This original U.S. military 37mm Cartridge Case M16 is made of brass and dated 1943. It was the standard rimmed case used with fixed 37×223R ammunition for several American antitank and armored-vehicle guns during World War II.
Identification and Specifications
The base is clearly marked 37MM, M16, and 1943. M16 identifies the cartridge-case model rather than the projectile or complete round. Wartime Army Technical Manual TM 9-1901 lists the M16 as an 8.75-inch-long rimmed case for the 37mm Guns M3, M3A1, M5, M5A1, and M6.
Ammunition Use
The M16 case held the percussion primer and propelling charge in fixed ammunition, with the projectile secured in the case mouth. It was used across a family of armor-piercing, high-explosive, canister, target-practice, drill, and blank cartridges. This made one basic case design suitable for combat, training, and ceremonial applications.
Weapons-System History
The towed 37mm Gun M3 became an important U.S. infantry antitank weapon during the early years of World War II. Related M5 and M6 tank guns armed vehicles that included Stuart light tanks, the 37mm turrets of M3 medium tanks, and M8 Greyhound armored cars. Their compact ammunition was easy to handle inside small fighting compartments and allowed crews to load the guns quickly.
History of Use
The 37mm system was designed to fight tanks and other armored vehicles, but increasing armor thickness reduced its value against later German tanks. It remained useful against light vehicles, exposed troops, and field positions. In the Pacific, 37mm guns continued to serve effectively against lighter Japanese armor, while high-explosive and canister rounds supported infantry fighting in jungle terrain.
Condition and Included Item
This listing is for one empty brass M16 cartridge case only. The projectile, primer, propellant, gun, and other ammunition components are not included. The primer has been removed, leaving the primer pocket open. The case may show patina, scratches, tarnish, staining, small dents, oxidation, or other signs of military use and long-term storage.
Approx length 9", Approx width 2", Approx height 2", Approx weight 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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