Headstamps of 20mm shell casings used by NJG2

[Julian Evan-Hart]

Hello to everyone on this superb forum.
I am a UK metal detectorist, aviation archaeologist and published author of aircraft and metal detecting based books. At the moment I am conducting an indepth research for possible website and future book publication...into the Luftwaffe nightfighter attacks made by NJG2 locally (I live in Stevenage in Hertfordshire in UK) where they shot down several Wellington bombers. Luckily I and colleagues have actually over the years located two examples of fired German 20mm cannon shell cases. I was wondering if I gave you guys the headstamp details if any of you could possibly provide some additional info as to date, manufacturer etc.

Example 1 Headstamp reading clockwise BK 44 40 (Note just after the 44 is a circular marking looking like a countersunk screw head or the greek Theta symbol...corrosion on the surface may mean that like example 2 below it is actually a zero)

Example 2 Headstamp reading clockwise CK 260 40

Please feel free to contact me on my email which is j.evenhart@ntlworld.com

Kind regards,
Julian

[PzGr40]

Hi Julian, we prefer to see the awnser (which will probably take not too long) on our forum.
Regards DJH

[Julian Evan-Hart]

No problem at all... I always offer my Email address to see if people prefer that option, but I always ensure any info I receive is placed back on the forum for all to see as thats only fair......Cheers Jules

[rigby]

And the answer is.....

BK - Hugo Schneider AG, Plant Altenburg, Lot 44, year 1940
CK - HASAG (Hugo Schneider AG) Eisen- u.Metallwerke GmbH, Plant Skarzysko-Kamienna, Lot 260, year 1940

[Julian Evan-Hart]

Dear Rigby thankyou so much the fact that the dates are 1940 is perfect with tying in with the average German ammo usage compared to the dates of NJG2 attacks they operated around here from April to August 1941. I knew the casings were German however to have them confirmed as to manufacturer now makes these historical artifacts all the more important. I am conserving them and will feature these details in my research.....absolutely marvellius many thanks Julian