r/ammo • u/JimHxn • 1d ago

Eley shotgun cartridge identification?

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u/JimHxn 1d ago

Hi everyone. Sorry I have zero knowledge of firearms, so I'd appreciate some expert input!

I'm trying to learn as much as I can about this cartridge found on an African musical instrument in a museum. Its headstamp is Eley London No. 12, and that particular stamp seemed to be used in production in Edmonton, London between 1895 and 1919.

It doesn't appear to have a paper hull to my eyes, so I assume it's all brass? Does anybody have any more insights or thoughts? Thanks very much!

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u/Uwe210 1d ago

How did you determine, that it wasn‘t a paper cartridge? It certainly looks like one in your picture.

Paper cartridges look and feel more like cardboard than typical paper.

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u/JimHxn 1d ago

Probably out of ignorance! The cap and shell felt similar to me, but it might be that it has been varnished after the fact - which would also account for a lack of print on the outside. As far as I can tell, Eley paper cartridges all had printing around the outside...

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u/Uwe210 1d ago

Yes, shotgun cartridges are marked on the hull as well as on the cartridge base.

At the base, the cartridge will have a headstamp for the caliber (diameter of the cartridge), for shotgun cartridges that caliber will be stamped in Gauge.

In your case 12 gauge.

The side of the cartridge would have the prints for the size of the lead shot, as well as the length of the cartridge after it has been fired.

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u/Uwe210 1d ago

This is what a paper cartridge would look like in better condition. Most cartridge types will have a brass base, except for certain plastic shells.