WW1 German 1914 Dated Karlsruhe Production 21cm SK L/45 Shell Case

( 30mm Case for comparison ) This is a unique  piece as you can link the case to a specific gun, as there was only one of this type )

The 21 cm SK L/45 was a German naval gun used during World War I on the SMS Blucher.  It was manufactured by the German company Krupp, one of the major arms manufacturers of the time. The designation "SK" stands for "Schnelladekanone," which translates to "quick-loading gun" in English. The "L/45" indicates the length of the gun barrel in calibers.

SMS Blücher was a German Navy battlecruiser that participated in the early stages of World War I. It played a significant role in the Battle of Dogger Bank, which took place on January 24, 1915. The battle was fought between British and German naval forces in the North Sea.

During the engagement, SMS Blücher suffered heavy damage from British naval gunfire. Despite efforts to keep the ship afloat, it eventually sank.

There was a reserve of four 21cm SK L/45 held by the Kriegsmarine. These guns were released to the German Army 

The Peter Adalbert Eisenbahngeschütz, also known as the P. A. K. Eisenbahngeschütz, was a large railway gun developed and used by Germany during World War I. This railway gun was named after its designer, Colonel Peter Adalbert, who worked for the German Army. The primary purpose of such railway guns was to provide long-range artillery support and to be quickly deployed to different locations by rail.

Key features of the Peter Adalbert Eisenbahngeschütz included:

Caliber: The gun had a massive caliber of 80 cm, making it one of the largest railway guns ever built. This immense caliber allowed for a long-range and heavy bombardment capability.

Barrel Length: The gun had a long barrel, typically around 17 meters (56 feet), which contributed to its long-range accuracy and power.

Rail Mounting: Being a railway gun, it was mounted on a specialized railway carriage. This allowed for strategic mobility, as the gun could be transported by rail to different locations on the front lines.

Range: The Peter Adalbert Eisenbahngeschütz had an impressive firing range, capable of reaching targets many kilometers away. It was particularly designed for long-range bombardment of enemy positions.5

Deployment: These railway guns were often employed in siege warfare or for disrupting enemy supply lines. Due to their size and the need for specific rail infrastructure, their deployment required careful planning.

Headstamp markings

M - Kaiserliche Marine ( German Navy } acceptance stamp

The stamp 18 is the reload date  ( 1918 ) the dot indicates the number of times it was reloaded, once.

Patronfaberick -  Manufactured in 1914, Two flaming bombs are for this particular manufacturer