Product Description

This original inert .303 British Mk VII ball round, dated 1942 and manufactured by RL (Royal Laboratory, Woolwich Arsenal), offers a fascinating glimpse into British ammunition production during the interwar years. The clearly stamped “RL 1909” headstamp confirms its early date and prestigious origin, as the Royal Laboratory was one of Britain’s primary ammunition factories from the late Victorian era through the early 20th century.

Although produced more than a decade after the First World War, 1920s-dated .303 ammunition remained in widespread use for training, reserve units, and pre-WWII military preparations. This round represents the classic .303 cartridge used in the SMLE Mk III rifle, Lewis gun, and later the Lee-Enfield No.4. It has been professionally deactivated, retaining its original components and form while being completely safe for collectors and display.

Interwar-dated cartridges are increasingly sought after, as they bridge the gap between Great War production and the massive rearmament period of the late 1930s. This 1942 RL example is ideal for ammunition displays, period kit layouts, or pairing with rifles and equipment from the era. A well-preserved and historically significant addition to any British military collection.