WW1 Royal Navy QF 3-Pounder Shell Case Trench Art – 1918 Dated – RL Woolwich Arsenal

An original Royal Navy QF 3-Pounder brass shell case, dated 1918, later converted into an attractive piece of period trench art.

This example was manufactured by the Royal Laboratory (R.L.), Woolwich Arsenal, one of Britain’s principal ammunition manufacturing facilities during the First World War. The base is heavily marked and retains a wealth of ordnance information, including K3 cartridge case designation, Mark 3 ammunition markings, and numerous inspection and primer stamps. The Royal Laboratory at Woolwich was responsible for producing and filling large quantities of artillery and naval ammunition throughout the war.

Item Details:
Item: Trench art shell case
Type: QF 3-Pounder naval shell case
Date: 1918
Manufacturer: Royal Laboratory (R.L.), Woolwich Arsenal
Cartridge Case: K3 pattern
Marking: Ammunition Mark 3
Material: Brass
Condition: Good original condition with age-related wear, patina, and signs of use consistent with age
Historical Context

The QF 3-Pounder was a 47mm quick-firing naval gun widely used by the Royal Navy during the late Victorian era and throughout the First World War. These guns were fitted to a variety of warships for defence against torpedo boats, submarines, and other small craft.

Following the war, many spent brass shell cases were transformed into decorative objects, a practice now known as trench art. These items were often retained as souvenirs, commemorative pieces, or household decorations, preserving a direct link to the wartime period.

The numerous markings found on the base and primer make this a particularly interesting example for collectors of naval ordnance and British military ammunition.

Collectability
Original 1918-dated Royal Navy shell case
Manufactured by the Royal Laboratory, Woolwich Arsenal
Extensive headstamp and primer markings
Attractive trench art conversion
Strong First World War naval connection
Ideal for collectors of:
Royal Navy memorabilia
WW1 militaria
Naval ordnance
Trench art
Woolwich Arsenal items
Display

A superb display piece suitable for:

Naval collections
Trench art displays
Military history cabinets
Office, study, or museum presentation