Ek 20 Mm - Mk 2

CanadianCharity · January 26, 2009, 09:39 AM

I work for a charity that sells donated items in order to fund its good works. Since I have zero experience in appraising these types of items, I was sincerely hoping for some help. After having read a previous post on this site, I have general information but still need some guidance, if you please.

The headstamping says E.K. 1943, 20 mm mk 2.

However, it is no longer in the shape of a bullet. It has been molded into the shape of a small creamer or pitcher with a handle.

Is this still a collectible? If so, what kind of price could I ask for it? Any help you could offer would certainly be appreciated. Thank you!

wjkuleck · January 26, 2009, 10:33 AM

This is what is called "Trench Art" by militaria collectors. It has some value, but what that might be is very difficult to determine. WWI Trench Art will have more value than WWII, as you might guess; after all, that's where the term originates, objects created out of military detrius.

Value can also come with either documented provenance (this artifact was made from a 20mm round fired from a Spitfire) or which has documented ornamentation, i.e., "The Officers' Mess of the 21st Pursuit Squadron."

Strictly speaking, what you have is a cartridge case, not a "bullet." The bullet is the big pointy thing that was fired out of the cartridge, leaving the cartridge case behind.

Think of it as a decorative object, and poll "passersby" what they would be willing to pay for it. Good luck!

Regards,

Walt

CanadianCharity · January 26, 2009, 03:09 PM

Perhaps I'll save it for the annual auction. Thanks for taking the time, Walt!

wjkuleck · January 26, 2009, 03:47 PM

Glad to help.

In the hope that a bit more info will garner higher bids, I've confirmed that your artifact started as an empty case from a 20mm Oerliken anti-aircraft gun as mounted on nearly all combat vessels in the US Navy during WWII. You may have seen pictures of rows of these things, each with a sailor behind it, firing madly at Kamikaze attacks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW8DSJYS204

The manufacture date of your cartridge case is 1943, and the manufacturer is Eastman Kodak of Rochester, NY. The designation of the case is 20x110RB mm (RB=Rebated Base).

Best regards,

Walt

January 26, 2009, 09:39 AM	#1
CanadianCharity Junior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 2	Ek 20 Mm - Mk 2 I work for a charity that sells donated items in order to fund its good works. Since I have zero experience in appraising these types of items, I was sincerely hoping for some help. After having read a previous post on this site, I have general information but still need some guidance, if you please. The headstamping says E.K. 1943, 20 mm mk 2. However, it is no longer in the shape of a bullet. It has been molded into the shape of a small creamer or pitcher with a handle. Is this still a collectible? If so, what kind of price could I ask for it? Any help you could offer would certainly be appreciated. Thank you!

January 26, 2009, 10:33 AM	#2
wjkuleck Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 1,220	This is what is called "Trench Art" by militaria collectors. It has some value, but what that might be is very difficult to determine. WWI Trench Art will have more value than WWII, as you might guess; after all, that's where the term originates, objects created out of military detrius. Value can also come with either documented provenance (this artifact was made from a 20mm round fired from a Spitfire) or which has documented ornamentation, i.e., "The Officers' Mess of the 21st Pursuit Squadron." Strictly speaking, what you have is a cartridge case, not a "bullet." The bullet is the big pointy thing that was fired out of the cartridge, leaving the cartridge case behind. Think of it as a decorative object, and poll "passersby" what they would be willing to pay for it. Good luck! Regards, Walt __________________ Author, NEW! The M1911 Complete Owner's Guide The M14 and M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guides The M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guide The AR-15 Complete Assembly and (New 4th Edition) Owner's Guides

January 26, 2009, 03:09 PM	#3
CanadianCharity Junior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 2	Thanks! Perhaps I'll save it for the annual auction. Thanks for taking the time, Walt!

January 26, 2009, 03:47 PM	#4
wjkuleck Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 1,220	Glad to help. In the hope that a bit more info will garner higher bids, I've confirmed that your artifact started as an empty case from a 20mm Oerliken anti-aircraft gun as mounted on nearly all combat vessels in the US Navy during WWII. You may have seen pictures of rows of these things, each with a sailor behind it, firing madly at Kamikaze attacks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW8DSJYS204 The manufacture date of your cartridge case is 1943, and the manufacturer is Eastman Kodak of Rochester, NY. The designation of the case is 20x110RB mm (RB=Rebated Base). Best regards, Walt __________________ Author, NEW! The M1911 Complete Owner's Guide The M14 and M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guides The M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guide The AR-15 Complete Assembly and (New 4th Edition) Owner's Guides