Ammo box ID (Well i assume it is an ammo box).

[Ian Fawbert]

Hi all,

I spotted this ammo box on ebay and was wondering if anyone on here could ID its use for me? never seen one before and was curious!

http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/...0,0,0&format=0

Thanks,
Ian.

[Euan McDonald]

I also have one and was told but it escapes me!

[Ian Fawbert]

At least its not a one off, never to be understood again thing!

Do you remember Euan if it was an ammo box or for something else?

GMH made so much, it could be for anything!

Ian.

[Tony Smith]

Looks like it is a Bofors Gun spares box. These were made in both Timber, and later, steel. Somewhere, I have a picture of it's filled contents.

[motto]

I also have some of these boxes and have always wondered what they were intended for. They are partitioned into two compartments right across the middle directly below where the lid halves overlap.
I cannot imagine them being for ammunition because of access difficulty and as they appear to be made stackable they don't seem right for a tool box. Even the recessed handle in a large depression either side seems a little odd.
???

David

[Lauren Child]

What are the dimensions of the box?

[motto]

Length 440 mm, width 310 mm, height 230 mm.

David

[Mike Cecil]

Reasonably certain it is a Polsten ammunition box. Twin lids, divided in the middle. Used to be quite common.

Bofors 40mm spares box was square and made of timber with a single canvas covered lid.

Mike

[Ian Fawbert]

Hi all,

Thanks for the help and interest.

Mike, thanks for the ID suggestion too! It sure is a neat box... hmmm, now to ponder my money and bidding!

Cheers,
Ian.

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Ian,

Came across a positive ID for the box today: it is a Box, Magazine, 30 round, Polsten 20mm MG (Aust) Mk.1. The Australian produced Polsten was issued only with the 30 rd box magazine, rather than the more familiar drum magazine.

Mike

[motto]

They are an unusual box, not an efficient use of volume and awkward to move about with the handles on the sides instead of each end. I would be interested to see one with the contents. I've yet to see one with any markings on it apart from the makers stamped information.
The Bren magazine box is more conventional and has stencilling to tell you what it is but they do have one thing in common and that is a greased felt seal for the lids.

David