British, WW2 - 1944 Dated, 40mm Mark IV Bofors Anti-Aircraft Brass Shell Case, (ECC), Cut-Down Trench Art Vase

*British, WW2 - 1944 Dated, 40mm Mark IV Bofors Anti-Aircraft Brass Shell Case, (ECC), Cut-Down Trench Art Vase*

A completely inert and original World War II British 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft brass shell casing, dated 1944 later cut down in period fashion for use as a trench-art vase or decorative household piece. The famous 40mm Bofors gun became one of the most successful anti-aircraft weapons of the Second World War, seeing extensive British and Commonwealth service against aircraft and light ground targets across all theatres of war.

The base is clearly marked 40 m/M IV, identifying the cartridge case as a 40mm Mark IV pattern. Additional markings include ECC, CF, 1944, and Lot 415. The ECC maker's code is commonly attributed to Edward Curran & Co. of Cardiff, Wales, a significant British defence contractor known for producing cartridge cases and ordnance components during the mid-20th century. The struck primer remains in place and is marked No.12 Mk III, together with wartime production and inspection markings including JB, BR 1/44, DQ, and a prominent N mark, likely denoting Naval service or Royal Navy acceptance, together with associated ordnance inspection codes.

Originally manufactured as a full-length 40mm Bofors cartridge case, the piece has subsequently been shortened from its original length of approximately 31 cm. Such alterations were extremely common after service use, with spent military cartridge cases frequently repurposed by servicemen and civilians into vases, desk ornaments and decorative household items. The conversion itself forms part of the object's post-service history and represents a classic example of wartime and post-war trench-art reuse.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 13.3 cm. Base diameter: 6.2 cm.

History Note:
The QF 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun became one of the most successful and widely deployed anti-aircraft weapons of the Second World War. Used extensively by British Army, Royal Navy and Commonwealth forces, it proved highly effective against low-flying aircraft due to its reliability and rapid rate of fire, remaining in service long after the war into the Cold War period.

*Condition*
Displays age wear, scratches and handling marks throughout with period patination to the brass. The case has been neatly cut down from its original length. Primer remains struck/spent. Completely inert and hollow. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.