Well most of one anyway. I didn’t think it was a real one to begin with and just threw it in my trolley, but cleaning up in some rust remover and some vigorous brushing revealed “United States Property” and a serial number engraved on one side, and the letters G.H.D on the other which confirmed that it is the body of a real gun!

Definitely wasn’t expecting to find this in the canal in Gloucester. I think it’s from WW2 judging by the state of it and the markings, but I’m definitely not an expert.

Here’s a picture of the other side, the G.H.D engraving isn’t really visible on camera though:

  • @FireTower@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    Ah the age old of tradition of throwing military equipment into bodies of water when you’re done with it.

    Jokes aside I mod the Forgotten Weapons community and I cross posted this over there. I’m sure at least one of our subscribers is probably well versed enough to give some more insight without even looking it up.

  • @bela@lemm.ee
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    36 months ago

    Woah! Sweet find!

    Around here you’re supposed to call the police if you reel in any kind of firearm. Though I suppose they might spare the bomb squad if it’s just a frame… and accidents happen, maybe you forget to call it in…

    • @ScreamingFirehawkOPM
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      56 months ago

      I honestly thought they might say I’m wasting their time with a frame so rusted that you’d be better off machining a new one than trying to restore it. I think its time in the canal has rendered it thoroughly deactivated

      • @Bears_Koolaid@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        I think it’s more to do with it being possible evidence in an unsolved crime, at least that’s a pretty common theme here in the states

        • @agent_flounder@lemmy.world
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          6 months ago

          Sure but there’s no barrel so it isn’t going to be of any forensic value, I don’t think. If it were stolen j guess the SN would be of use.

          • @perviouslyiner@lemm.ee
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            6 months ago

            evidence as in “location where the gun was found didn’t match the suspect’s story / matches somewhere they were known to have visited” or even just helping to complete a story that started with the serial number going missing.