Ammo boxes identification

Jon Skagfeld · #1 28-09-10, 00:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by derk derin

This box is homemade and I would guess used to ship his personal items or used as a footlocker.It was used by a Major C. BROWN of the 14 DENTAL COY.Can anybody tell me by the service number or other markings on the box what conflict this box would have been sent to? Does the ZL 4852 number any indication?

Derk:

According to Clive Law's "Regimental Numbers of the Canadian Army", p.60, ZL is the prefix of Regimental Numbers allotted to Regular Force Officers in the Saskatchewan area. Issue of these numbers started in early 1945.

derk derin · #2 28-09-10, 07:08

Hi Clive,
Thanks for your help identifying the boxes.I know what most of them are but was not sure about the wooden box and what the long metal C298 can was for.I was looking for information last spring on .303 stripper clips and came across your B.O.C.N. website and signed up as a member and that is as far as I got.Spring came and the vehicle projects started and the computer time stopped.Once winter hits and the snow is here I will have more time to research items and will definitely be on your site.What is a naval 12 pounder gun?
Regards,Derk.

Hi Jon,
Thanks for the help.I was hoping it fit into the Korea war era as I have a Dental corp tunic with the rank as Major it would go good with.Any chance the serial number carried on to Korea use?
Derk.

tankbarrell · #3 28-09-10, 10:14

Nice find, well done! Just a small point of order though, the 1 gallon and 2 gallon cans are not flimsies and are in fact anything but. They are the standard POL cans.

The flimsie was the 4 gallon petrol can with a tear off seal designed to be used only once. They were made of very thin tin plate, hence the name.

derk derin · #4 28-09-10, 17:46

Hi Adrian,
Thanks for the information.I had always thought the 1 and 2 gallon cans were called flimsies.I have yet to find one of the 4 gallon cans for my collection.Being throw away,I imagine not too many survived.
Regards,Derk.

tankbarrell · #5 28-09-10, 18:11

Hi Derk, you're right, they are a little rare! There is a heavy duty version which has survived in greater numbers. These have a proper screw cap and are stamped WD and dated underneath. I have found two of these in my skip over the years!

Hanno Spoelstra · #6 28-09-10, 21:05

See this thread if you are interested in POL cans and flimsies.

H.