Selection of WW1 British 18-Pounder Shell Cases – Various Dates – Marked Base Stamps

A large selection of original World War One British 18-Pounder brass shell cases, each retaining clearly marked base stamps with various wartime dates and manufacturer markings.

The 18-Pounder field gun was the standard field artillery weapon of the British Army during the First World War, and its ammunition became one of the most widely produced ordnance types of the conflict. These shell cases represent authentic remnants of the immense industrial effort behind Britain’s artillery forces on the Western Front.

This group includes examples in mixed collector condition, with some cases having been cleaned and polished, while others remain in their original “as found” state, retaining natural patina from age and service.

Historical Context – The British QF 18-Pounder

The Ordnance QF 18-pounder was the backbone of British artillery throughout the Great War.

Introduced before the outbreak of hostilities, the gun became synonymous with the artillery barrages that dominated trench warfare between 1914 and 1918. It was used in major engagements across the Western Front including:

The Battle of the Somme

The Battle of Arras

The Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele)

Millions of rounds were fired during the war, making surviving shell cases an important physical reminder of the scale of artillery warfare.

Features of the Collection

Original WW1 British 18-Pounder brass shell cases

Various wartime dates and manufacturer markings

Fully marked headstamps on the base

Mixed presentation:

Some cleaned and polished

Some original “as found” patina

Genuine Great War artillery relics

Each shell case reflects wartime manufacturing and the enormous logistical effort required to sustain artillery operations during the conflict.

Collector & Display Value

Ideal for:

Collectors of WW1 British militaria

Artillery and ordnance historians

Western Front themed collections

Military museums or educational displays

Collectors seeking dated and maker-marked shell cases

The variety of dates and manufacturers also provides excellent opportunities for those researching wartime munitions production.

Condition

Mixed condition across the group. Some examples have been cleaned and polished for display, while others retain original aged patina and surface wear consistent with long-term storage. All examples retain clear base markings.

Please refer to photographs for individual condition details.

Each shellcase is £50.00 each