British, WW1, Naval 18-Pounder Mk II Shell Case Dated 1916— ALCO, SOLD M^M, Primer by Gramophone Company Ltd

*British, WW1, Naval 18-Pounder Mk II Shell Case Dated 1916— ALCO, SOLD M^M, Primer by Gramophone Company Ltd*

A WW1 British 18-pounder field gun shell case, brass construction, dated May 1916 and manufactured by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO), Schenectady, New York. The case is marked “18 PR II” for the Mark II variant used in the standard 18-pounder quick-firing field gun. It retains its original primer, dated 5/1917, marked “F.T. No II”, with a primer bearing the distinctive G-over-C monogram — for the Gramophone Company Ltd, Hayes, Middlesex.

This shell case was later stamped “SOLD M^M”, denoting official post-service disposal by the Ministry of Munitions. Other base markings include:

-N (Royal Navy allocation)
-LOT 577
-EH 7 over a Broad Arrow (inspection stamp)
-ALCO with “XX” in a circle -American Locomotive Company logo
-5/16 dated May 1916

Approximate Measurements:
Height: 29.5 cm, Throat diameter: 8.5 cm, Base diameter: 10.2 cm

Historical Note:
The 18-pounder field gun was the backbone of British and Commonwealth artillery during WW1, known for its speed and accuracy in the field. The Mk II brass shell case was developed to accommodate changes in propellant and shell handling.

This example was produced in May 1916 by ALCO, one of several U.S. firms contracted to manufacture British ordnance during the war. These American-made shell cases were shipped to the UK or to Canadian facilities for loading and fitting.

The fitted primer carries a stylised monogram interpreted as “G C”, where the “G” is placed over a record and stylus symbol with a “C” beneath. This is attributed to the Gramophone Company Ltd, of Hayes, Middlesex, which was repurposed during the First World War to manufacture shell primers, adapters, and other precision-turned brass munitions components. Their record manufacturing machinery, known for fine tolerances, made them ideal for producing complex primer components.

The “SOLD M^M” stamp (broad arrow between two Ms) is a well-documented marking denoting disposal by the Ministry of Munitions, typically applied after the case had been fired, cleared, and sold to surplus dealers for scrap or repurposing.

*Condition*
Good original condition overall with age patina and service wear. The mouth of the shell case is slightly distorted, consistent with having been fired. Clear markings to the base. Original primer is firmly in place.

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