Rifle casing, need help identifying the headstamp

**Mlambalasi** · 10-28-2011, 01:13 AM

From what I've ascertained through google (lol), it's possibly german and from 1877. If anyone could point me toward some resources for making a definite identification, that would be wonderful!

-Jennifer

**Mlambalasi** · 10-28-2011, 03:55 AM

Hmm, is there a different section this thread would be better suited for...?

**Walkwolf** · 10-28-2011, 04:09 AM

Hi, Jennifer. Welcome to the Forum.........!

20 people have looked at it so far, but it may be outside their area
of collecting or firearms knowledge. This old cartridge has an
'internal primer' which is rather unusual.

It certainly looks like 1877 to me. Perhaps you might provide
details of where it was found and an idea of it's size.

Someone will see it who may be able tell you more.

**zwerge** · 10-28-2011, 04:31 AM

You didn`t give any measurements of the case,military headstamps don`t tell us much.So we need length of the case,size of the neck,width of the rim, OK?

**Mlambalasi** · 10-28-2011, 05:42 AM

Measurements! Didn't realize that was important! xD

it's about 5.5cm in length, and the diameter at the opening is about 11-12mm

I don't know what "size of the neck" means, I'll have to do some more googling I spose before I can provide that...

It was found on an archaeological dig, in a rockshelter in eastern Africa. If it's from the late 1800's it would line up nicely with a German occupation of our study area.