*British, 1958 / 1969, 76mm L23A1 Drill Round, Complete Inert Fixed Cartridge with Plugged Fuze (SX 505), Royal Ordnance (ARMD Co) / OFW*
An excellent and scarce original British 76mm L23A1 drill round, offered as a completely inert display piece, hollow and free from all explosive or energetic materials, and retaining its full-length projectile and original cartridge case—an impressive and highly decorative Cold War artillery display round.
This is a complete fixed round comprising the painted steel projectile and its original lacquered steel cartridge case, clearly factory-designated as a DRILL (training) round, with the word “DRILL” prominently stamped to the case body. Unlike many examples encountered on the market, this remains complete with its fuze body in place, giving it the correct and highly desirable full-service profile.
The projectile is finished in standard olive drab with copper driving band and fitted with an inert fuze assembly. The fuze is clearly marked: “M.P.B. SX 505 PLUG REP”, along with “FUZE 410 / 57 RML” and the British War Department broad arrow. This indicates a plugged and inert replacement fuze, purpose-built or converted for safe instructional use. The visible venting hole further confirms its inert status while preserving the authentic external appearance.
The base is crisply stamped:
“76MM A R M D Co L23A1”
“OFW 6/58 DRILL”
These markings identify:
Calibre: 76mm
Model: L23A1
Manufacturer: ARMD Co (Royal Ordnance / British Government Armament production)
Fuze/Component Origin: OFW (Ordnance Factory Watford)
Date of Manufacture: June 1958
Type: Official Drill Round
A further “69” marking to the case indicates later inspection, refurbishment, or continued service use into the Cold War period.
Originally produced in 1958 for British 76mm gun systems, rounds of this type were retained for long-term training use and would have remained in service for loading drills and instructional purposes well into the later Cold War era, including alongside later 76mm-equipped platforms such as CVR(T) vehicles.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 54 cm. Base diameter: 9.5 cm.
History Note:
British drill rounds were manufactured to exact external specifications of live ammunition but rendered completely inert for safe handling and repeated training use. These were essential for crew training, loader drills, and classroom instruction across artillery and armoured units. Many were reworked or upgraded during their service life, often fitted with inert or plugged fuze assemblies as seen here. Early examples from the 1950s, particularly those retaining clear markings and full configuration, are increasingly difficult to find on the collector market.
*Condition*
Very good original condition for display, with honest service wear throughout. The projectile retains its original olive drab finish with minor scuffs and marks. The fuze is present as an inert plugged example with visible venting. The lacquered steel cartridge case shows age-related wear, scratching, and areas of surface patina consistent with use, with clear and legible stamped markings including “DRILL” and dated codes. No active components present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
