Shot garland, or...

[Hallibag]

Does anyone know what this object is? The “N” and other markings stamped on it has led me to believe it is naval in origin, but that’s a guess. It’s thick oak, with a brass plate on one side, and is approximately 11 1/2” square. I would be very grateful if someone would identify it, and solve a mystery for me...

[Hallibag]

Just stumbled upon this:

 

https://www.royal-arsenal-history.com/departments.html

 

So, the RCD stamped on this mystery object stands for the Royal Carriage Department of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich...

Edited August 24, 2019 by Hallibag

[Sea Hoss]

looks like an ancient cup holder 🙂

[mtaylor]

I would assume (and we know about what happens when we "assume") that the 1929 is a date.  If the date is right, not a shot garland like we think for ball shot.  Are the "holes" tapered?   Can't tell from the photos.

[BANYAN]

I agree with your summation Hallibag as to it being from the Arsenal - Carriage Department.  The Rod stamped on it may indicate a proofing device for some of the rods used in the the carriage (1926)? The attached may have something as there are 3 parts - Army, Coastal Defense and Naval gun Carriages discussed.  I have only perused the Naval section (Part 3) at the moment and do not recall seeing it, but....

 

cheers

 

Pat

Treatise_on_military_carriages_ W Kemmis 1974.pdf

[jud]

1926, breach loader days. Device to hold ready service cartridges, dropped in and stopped by the cartridge rim. Hole in the center used as a holder so the holding plate could be removed and replaced by a different caliber if the Ammo Cart was used for a different sized gun. Don't know, pure speculation. Maybe some evidence of compression on the bottom of the small hole, it may have been set on top of a cylinder and secured, Possible compression showing on the brass plate around the large holes. Hope someone with better research skills can solve the mystery.

 

[popeye2sea]

From what I have been able to find, looking in the Royal Navel Handbook of Field Training 1926, the MK II Carriage Land Service was used for the MK I Howitzer.  However, that is a 6 inch diameter shell so they would not be fitting into those holes

 

Regards

[Hallibag]

On 8/24/2019 at 8:04 PM, mtaylor said:

IAre the "holes" tapered?   Can't tell from the photos.

No, the holes are straight-sided.

[Hallibag]

On 8/24/2019 at 9:22 PM, BANYAN said:

The attached may have something as there are 3 parts - Army, Coastal Defense and Naval gun Carriages discussed.  I have only perused the Naval section (Part 3) at the moment and do not recall seeing it, but....

 

cheers

 

Pat

Treatise_on_military_carriages_ W Kemmis 1974.pdf 15.65 MB · 1 download

Thank you for this. I will give the Treatise a careful examination!