Scarce German Leopard 2 Tank 120mm Shell Casing Base

Here on offer is a scarce German Leopard 2 tank, 120mm shell casing base.

My understanding is that authentic German Leopard 2 tank 120mm shell casing bases are difficult to find?

The German Leopard 2 tank uses combustible cartridge cases, produced by Rheinmetall, for its 120mm ammunition, meaning the main body of the case burns up during firing. The only part that remains after the round is fired is a small, metallic "aft cap" or "stub case" that seals the breech and contains the primer.

Description of the 120mm Aft Cap.

Material: The stub case is metallic (usually aluminium alloy), unlike the main, cellulose-based combustible section.
Shape: It is a short, cup-shaped base with an elastomeric sealing ring on the exterior to ensure a proper seal in the breech.

Size: It has a diameter of 120mm, but is very short, significantly reducing the amount of residue compared to traditional, full-metal casings.

Function: It contains the primer and is detonated by an electrical charge (rather than a traditional firing pin) to ignite the main propellant charge.

Markings: The base is typically stamped or etched with specific production information, such as the ammunition type (e.g., "DM10" for the case used in the DM12A2 HEAT-MP and DM18A2 practice rounds).

Disposal: After firing, the aft caps are ejected into a collection bag or onto the turret floor, and in military use, are typically returned as residue rather than reused.

This example appears to be from a practice round, as it is marked with DM10 along with the following markings:

120 x 570 DM10
LOS RH-1-339
MA

In the centre on the base of the brass primer, it is stamped:

DM35
LOS DAG-1-10

The base is in great condition, now with an aged patina and darkening to the alloy finish, with some oxidisation inside the base.

The base measures 3.1” (8cm) tall and is 6.7” (16.9cm) diameter at the rim and 6.3” 16cm around the body section.

It weighs a very heavy 3.2Kg!

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

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The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52153