Description
World War I U.S. Navy 57mm 6-Pounder Blank Cartridge Case, U.S.N.G.F., March 1918
Item Overview
This original U.S. Navy 6-pounder blank cartridge case was produced for the 57mm naval-gun family. The brass case is marked “U.S.N.G.F.,” identifying the United States Naval Gun Factory at Washington Navy Yard. Its “3 18” marking is consistent with a March 1918 production date, placing it within the World War I period.
Identification and Markings
Item type: Blank cartridge case
Service: U.S. Navy
Caliber family: 6-pounder, approximately 57mm
Case material: Brass
Manufacturer marking: U.S.N.G.F.
Manufacturing facility: United States Naval Gun Factory, Washington Navy Yard
Apparent date: March 1918
Configuration: Cartridge case without a projectile
Blank-Cartridge Purpose
A blank cartridge produced a loud report and muzzle blast without firing a projectile. U.S. Navy 6-pounder blanks could be used for ceremonial salutes, official signals, training, and gun drills. The “6-pounder” name refers to the approximate weight of the projectile used in regular service ammunition, not the weight of this case.
Weapons-System History
The U.S. Navy’s 6-pounder family consisted of 2.244-inch, or 57mm, rapid-fire guns developed during the late 1800s. Early versions included Hotchkiss and Driggs-Schroeder designs, followed by several other marks and modifications. These light guns were installed on battleships, cruisers, gunboats, patrol vessels, and other ships for defense against fast torpedo boats and small surface targets.
History of Use
Six-pounder guns served as close-range naval weapons during the Spanish-American War, World War I, and the early decades of the 20th century. As their combat role declined, suitable guns continued to support saluting, training, and auxiliary duties. Because the Navy operated several 6-pounder gun marks, compatibility with one exact gun model should be confirmed from the case dimensions and complete markings.
United States Naval Gun Factory History
Washington Navy Yard became the Navy’s main ordnance manufacturing center in 1886. During World War I, its shops produced naval guns, projectiles, cartridge cases, and many smaller ordnance components. Navy records state that the Yard produced 456,338 cartridge cases of various sizes during 1918, the same year indicated by this case’s apparent date marking.
Condition and Safety
This historic military-surplus case may show tarnish, scratches, stains, oxidation, small dents, faded markings, and other signs of age or prior handling. A primer component is visible in the supplied photograph, but its condition and age have not been confirmed. This case is offered as a collectible component and should not be loaded, altered, or fired.
Ideal For
This World War I cartridge case is well suited for U.S. Navy collections, Washington Navy Yard displays, naval-artillery exhibits, antique ammunition collections, military museums, and historical research. No projectile, propellant, gun, packaging, or related equipment is included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Approx length 7", Approx width 3", Approx height 3", Approx weight 1.7lbs.
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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