Anyone recognise this metal tool/ammo box?

[Pete.]

I got this box which is a bit of a mystery. At first glance it looks like an ammo box but it has no military markings that I can find and the unusual catches I can't find on any other example of ammo box using internet search. It DOES have a painted-over sticker that appears to have read CAUTION - HANDLE WITH CARE. It very heavily constructed, much more robust than the ammo boxes my grandad used to use as tool boxes.

Anyway, here's the pics. It's only a passing interest really, what interested me was the contents, but I'd like to know what it's origins are if anyone knows.

 

[Beeezer]

X box…..

 

[Onoff]

This?

1942 Ammo box

A 1942 ammo box which is in good general condition. Unfortunately, has quite a bit of overspray on it from where it sat in a workshop but this would probably clean off. Stamped on the box is 'C190' 'IV' and n 'S' in an extended lozenge shape. The stenciled writing (best that I can make out) reads...

hmvf.co.uk

 

[Brad93]

Possibly for civilian use, mining/quarrying explosives perhaps?

 

[Anguz]

Reckon I have its twin in the workshop

 

[Onoff]

Possibly for civilian use, mining/quarrying explosives perhaps?

No, it's what I linked above. Look at the catches.

Very good for storing Lipo batteries etc!

 

[Onoff]

I just gave my ammo box collection away to a lad who's into RC and Airsoft.

 

[Onoff]

That's galvanised too.

 

[Agroshield]

I just gave my ammo box collection away

The small holes in the catches are for locking/securing the turn latches from opening when you would not want them to.

Just out of interest, what might they have used for that purpose? Simple twisted wire? I guess it pre-dates zip ties.

 

[Brad93]

No, it's what I linked above. Look at the catches.

Very good for storing Lipo batteries etc!

I agree, but without any stamping, I would say it was either never issued or had civilian use.

 

[500e]

Never looked at the one we had closely it was galvanized, built like the proverbial.
Had it bolted to the back of our Commer TS3 2 stroke wrecker for shackles etc.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

It is a stowage box.
It would be lined with foam to protect what ever was needed to be carried in it.

Then it would be identified.


Similar to this one I modified.

At Collingwood we used one like that when we did flare training. To keep odd n sods in.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I bought several ammo boxes similar to that (only catches different) and they were for mortar rounds. They even still had plastic tubes inside.

 

[fractured]

I think I have a very similar box (actually looks identical). It has a tin plate and soldered inner box which I think may be insulated!