SHELL CASES, Artillery

Two 75mm French (or Belgian) artillery shell cases engraved with various scenes and dates. Two 40mm German shell cases engraved with the coat of arms N.S.W. etc. These shell cases are typical of the French/ Belgian. These four shells were all engraved in DINANT in SE Belgium in 1919.
The shell cases are marked;

1. Marked with a shrub in a pot plant. The pot is marked '1919', under the pot is a scroll marked 'SOUVENIR DE LA GUERRE/ DINANT'. Opposite side to these marks are two birds (at top) facing each other, over the inscription 'LES BOUVREVILS' (Bullfinches). Under these birds are engraved a Rooster, Hen and chicks over 'LA BASSE-COUR' (Farmyard Poultry). Underneath the base are the marks St/ FN (in circle) 178/ OKT 1918/ 67%/ HL/ 27'. These shells are from the 'French 75', ie. 75mm French artillery piece which was the standard gun of the French, Belgian and U.S. armies in WW1.

2. Same as above except reverse is engraved with two birds on a branch, top one is named 'LE CARNASSIER' (Flesheater), lower bird is 'LE ROSSIGNOL' (NIGHTINGALE). Base is 'ST/ FN (in circle 153)/ SEPT 1918/ 67% 00/ HL/ 27'.

3. Small 'Pom Pom' shell case engraved on front with coat of arms of New South Wales. ( Emu on left). Under shield is 'SOUVENIR DE LA GUERRE/ 1918/ DINANT/ 1919'. On base of shell is 'CROWN/ M/ C/ 97.98/ IV 1905. KARLSRUHE/ 143'.

4. Same as above except Emu on right of shield. Base the same marks except 'XII' instead of 'IV' and '171' instead of '143'.

Department: 

Collection

History Collection

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