TOPIC:

Tennants Auctioneers have this shell case gong coming up for sale :







Regards
Adrian

A lovely thing!
I can't quite believe Neville doesn't already have this.
I wasn't aware of a shell exploding a magazine on 28 Feb 1900, or am I mistaken?
If not, then I suspect this is the 4.7" QF shell case from HMS Terrible which exploded a powder store of the Long Tom at Doornkloof on 7 Feb 1900, see samilitaryhistory.org/vol072sw.html .

From the photograph, I'm pretty sure this is a 12-pdr shell, not a 4.7-in, as stated in the Tennants description.

And I, too, am not aware of a magazine exploding on 28 Feb 1900.
It is not unusual to find inaccuracies in inscriptions. Indeed, I have come across quite a few that are complete fiction, despite clearly being contemporary.

Neville, I agree it is likely a naval 12-pdr QF shell case. The composite picture shows the 4.7" case (shown on the right) is a similar length, but much squatter. The Long 12s on Swartkop [circled in orange] were within range of the Long Tom powder store on Doornkloof / Doornkop [circles in pink], as shown on the map in Amery - the distance is under 7,000 yards and the Long 12s could reach 8,000 yds with ease and sometimes to 9,500 yds. I am inclined to think this shell case is honestly labelled. I won't bid for it but hope a forummer gets it!

"The Naval gun on Zwart Kop, which is said to have blown up the Boer magazine on Doorn Kloof" (by J.E. Middlebrook, Durban)

The approximate location of the magazine is marked with an "X" on the horizon.

Lovely! The naval gunners hold 12-pdr shells and casings identical to the gong.