Japanese Brass Artillery Shells

[JimM]

I have 3 shell bases, about 1 1/2 " high, cut down from artillery shell casings. 2 are about 75mm size and one is 105 mm size. Can anyone tell me how to read the various stampings on the bottom of the shell ? All have crossed cannons plus the letter 'F'. One of the 75mm's has a '6' (or is it a '9' ?), one a '5' and the 105 mm has the number '3' stamped. All have a Japanese character with one of the number characters on the left side, so what do those mean ? Thanks !

[Eric Doody]

I have 3 shell bases, about 1 1/2 " high, cut down from artillery shell casings. 2 are about 75mm size and one is 105 mm size. Can anyone tell me how to read the various stampings on the bottom of the shell ? All have crossed cannons plus the letter 'F'. One of the 75mm's has a '6' (or is it a '9' ?), one a '5' and the 105 mm has the number '3' stamped. All have a Japanese character with one of the number characters on the left side, so what do those mean ? Thanks !

Jim,

Typically, for Japanese 35 mm and above, the year of manufacture will be in kanji (e.g., Sho[wa] Juushichi for the seventeenth year of Showa or 1942) while the month of manufacture will be in Arabic numerals (e.g., 5 for the fifth month or May).

The cross cannons is the logo for Osaka Army Arsenal. There should also be a small "saka" (as in "Osaka") kanji inspection mark and perhaps a small "series" (?) katakana mark on the base of the cases (and primers) as well.

I am not sure what the "F" marking (boy, that sounds good doesn't it) is for although I have seen the marking before.

If you could post some photos of the markings on the cases in question, I should be able to provide you with additional information.

Hope this helps.

[BOUGAINVILLE]

Jim,

I am not sure what the "F" marking (boy, that sounds good doesn't it) is for although I have seen the marking before.

Hope this helps.

The F stamp shows that the brass in the case has traces of iron (Fe) in it to improve the work-ability of the brass. Not all brass cases have the F stamp, but most do.

These details are well known within some enthusiasts circles within Japan but only recently a Dutch collector friend found out through communication with a collector/researcher in Japan.