Hi all. I just thought I would post this piece as I have not seen another piece like it. I think it may possibly be a one- off attempt by someone with a few tools. I bought it cheap for the case itself (although I think it has been cut down). It is a 1943 date 17pdr shell case with the stamping "HMS AJAXS BATTLE OF RIVERPLATE". Clearly there is a discrepancy with the date as the Battle of the River Plate occurred in 1939. Also, the 17pdr was not a naval gun, rather an Anti- Tank weapon. Finally whoever knocked this out spelled AJAX wrong. You would have thought that if this was genuine then the person who made it would have had some pride in their ship's name?
I am puzzled as to why anyone would have made this. I purchased it from an old lady for cheap so from her perspective not much monetary gain involved, also, if one were to fake a piece of trench art, then one would surely make it more elaborate or at least stamp the main body of the case and not make a small obscure mark on the bottom?
Just wanted to bring this piece to your attention and look forward to your comments. Cheers.
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