Royal Navy Cordite Charge Carrier, Circa 1937

Description

Circa 1937 leather covered Royal Navy cordite charge carrier. The carrier is 15 in (38cm) tall or 20 in (51cm) when hanging from the leather handle. At the widest point it has a diameter of 7.3/4 in (20cm). The carrier weighs 1.58 kg. Made out of cork covered in either leather or canvas. This particular one has been finished in leather, coloured brown and decorated with a Royal Crest. This Royal Navy leather, canvas & cork (lead Base Plates) ammunition holder or cordite bucket has the remnants of the original Armorial Crest and letter "N" for Navy stamped into its side beneath the remins of the Royal Crest. Made by George Bussey & Co London, it has "No. 56 VI" above "R" War Dept Arrow and "L" over the date "12 – 37" stamped into the base. The Royal Crest (applied by transfer) bore the King's crown so dating it to around WW2 (but is now mostly worn away with only traces remaining). A large and robustly stitched leather handle hangs from the two firmly secured brass pins.

These leather buckets were designed to carry cordite. They are flash proof and carry cartridges. Cordite is a group of smokeless propellants developed and produced in the United Kingdom from 1889 to replace gunpowder as a military propellant.

A very interesting piece of naval history that is a brilliant collectors piece or decorative item that would appeal to anyone interested in the artillery, navy or has an interest in gunnery. Perhaps someone would even like re-designate it as an elegent walking stick or umbrella stand.

The carrier itself in reasonably good condition with less damage and wear as might be expected from its use and age. The transfer is largely worn away as stated above and the brown leather has been scuffed and knocked with the passage of time although it still retains its fascination.

This is a good example of the type of container that was used on Royal Navy ships to carry cordite charges and is in good overall condition commensurate with age.

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