British, WW2-Dated 1942, QF 25-Pounder Mark II Brass Cartridge Case, Edward Curran & Co. (E.C.C.), Cardiff

*British, WW2-Dated 1942, QF 25-Pounder Mark II Brass Cartridge Case, Edward Curran & Co. (E.C.C.), Cardiff*

An original Second World War British brass artillery cartridge case for the QF 25-Pounder field gun, clearly dated 1942 and retaining crisp, legible base markings. The case is of heavy drawn brass construction with rolled rim and threaded central primer aperture, produced for wartime service use.

The base is stamped “25PR / II”, identifying the case as a Mark II 25-Pounder cartridge case, together with E.C.C., CF, Lot 2223, PY, and the British Government War Department broad arrow. These markings indicate official wartime manufacture, loading specification, and inspection acceptance.

The brass retains a pleasing aged tone with honest service wear and handling marks. The interior shows darkened residue consistent with period firing or long-term storage, typical of surviving artillery cases of this type.

Markings:
- E.C.C. – Edward Curran & Co., Cardiff (wartime manufacturer)
- 25PR / II – 25-Pounder cartridge case, Mark II pattern
- CF – Cordite Full charge loading
- LOT 2223 – Production batch number
- PY – Inspection / acceptance mark
- Broad Arrow – British Government War Department ownership mark1942 – Year of manufacture

Approx. Measurements – Height: 29.2 cm. Base diameter: 10.4 cm.

Historical Note:
The QF 25-Pounder was the principal British field artillery piece of the Second World War and is widely regarded as one of the most effective guns of the conflict. Introduced before the war and employed throughout all major theatres, it combined good range, rapid fire capability, and reliability, serving with British and Commonwealth forces from North Africa through to Northwest Europe and the Far East.

This cartridge case was manufactured in 1942, during the peak period of wartime production when British industry was operating at full capacity to supply artillery units worldwide. The Mark II case represented a standard wartime pattern designed for separate-loading ammunition, where the brass case contained propellant charges behind the projectile.

The maker’s code E.C.C. identifies manufacture by Edward Curran & Co., Bute Docks, Cardiff, Wales, a significant private engineering contractor involved in wartime ordnance production. Curran’s was among a small number of firms that retained munitions manufacturing capability between the wars, allowing rapid expansion when rearmament began in 1939. The factory employed large numbers of local workers during the war years — including, notably, a young Shirley Bassey, who worked in the packing department before achieving international fame.

The presence of the Broad Arrow confirms War Department ownership and military acceptance, while the lot number records the specific production batch for ordnance control and traceability.

*Condition*
Original untouched wartime example showing authentic service-age wear. Brass surfaces display age patina, minor oxidation spotting and light handling marks. Interior darkened from use or storage. Threaded primer aperture intact and undamaged. No major dents, splits, or structural faults observed. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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