US, WW2-1944, 105mm M14 Type I Artillery Shell Case, Lot BBI-31, Flaming Ordnance Mark

*US, WW2-1944, 105mm M14 Type I Artillery Shell Case, Lot BBI-31, Flaming Ordnance Mark*

A substantial and well-preserved brass artillery cartridge case for the U.S. 105mm field howitzer system, clearly headstamped “105MM M14 TYPE I”, with additional production details including Lot BBI-31, wartime date 1944 and the U.S. Army flaming ordnance bomb acceptance emblem.

The case retains its full tapered form with pronounced base flange and original primer assembly fitted. The interior remains intact, showing typical service residue and age patination. The base also preserves traces of black stencilled loading data, partially legible and appearing to include “M2 M2A1 & M4”, consistent with authorised howitzer models and propellant configurations.

Primer markings read “M1B1A2” with a 1944 date, suggesting period compatibility with the case.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 37cm. Base diameter: 12cm.

Historical Note:
The M14 brass cartridge case was the standard U.S. case used with the highly successful 105mm field artillery system, most notably the M2A1 (later redesignated M101) howitzer. Ammunition for this weapon was technically semi-fixed, meaning the projectile and cartridge case could be separated so that different propellant increments could be used depending on range and firing conditions.

Originally, the case would have contained graduated propellant bags (typically up to seven increments). The surviving black stencil referencing “M2 M2A1 & M4” aligns with known loading markings indicating approved gun models for those charge combinations.

The “Type I” designation is of particular collector interest. While M14 cases themselves are common wartime items, clearly marked Type I examples are less frequently encountered, and are associated with standard projectile use. By contrast, the later Type II variant was necked slightly to retain the M67 HEAT projectile. WWII-era Type I markings are usually struck in an arc, as seen here, whereas many later production examples adopted simpler straight-line stamping for efficiency.

The 1944 production date places this piece within peak U.S. wartime ammunition manufacture. Brass cases were intentionally designed for repeated reuse — often up to five loadings — and many surviving examples show later over-stamping or mismatched primer dates reflecting post-war refurbishment. The fact that both case and primer appear contemporaneous to 1944 strongly suggests a first-issue wartime loading rather than a later rebuild, which adds interest for collectors.

The lot code “BBI” identifies the manufacturing contractor responsible for this production batch. Compared with larger and frequently seen ordnance manufacturers, BBI appears to represent a smaller wartime contractor, adding another layer of collectability.

*Condition*
Good original condition with honest service wear and age patina. Minor surface marks and internal oxidation consistent with use and storage. Primer remains installed. Stencilled data present but partly worn and indistinct. Structurally sound with no major splits or distortion observed. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

WW2-dated U.S. 105mm cartridge cases remain popular display pieces due to their direct association with Allied field artillery. The combination of clear Type I designation, matching wartime primer, and less commonly encountered BBI lot code makes this example more interesting than standard post-war or reworked cases.

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