WWII Navy 5" dummy cartridge?

[fatelk]

This may not be exactly firearm related, as I think this was a training round for a 5" US Navy cannon. I have four of these things that have been taking up space. I got them years ago when a surplus store was cleaning out the basement getting ready to close. My wife wants me to get rid of them, or at least three. I thought about putting them on ebay, but wonder if they're worth enough to justify shipping for nearly 30 pounds each, or if they have any value at all. I thought I'd see if anyone here knew anything about them.
The one in the photo has an anchor with a US on the base, along with AFCO 5" DUMMY CARTRIDGE MK5 38 CAL.
One of the others says H.W.CO-1943 5 IN DUMMY ART MK 5 (FOR-5 IN/38CAL GUN) INSP J.E.M.
They have a steel base, hardwood shaft, steel nose and rubber bumper on the tip. Any WWII buffs and collectors here? Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Pilgrim]

You have training powder cartridges for the 5"/38 cal. gun.

The 5"/38 cal. gun was a dual purpose gun useful for surface and air targets. The ammunition was semi-fixed, that is, the powder cartridge and projectile were separate.

Every ship with a 5"/38 gun had a loading trainer where gun crews could practice loading. It consisted of loading tray, breech block, and rammer, with electrical-hydraulic power to run the rammer and breech block. Where the barrel would be normally located, the rammed projectile and powder cartridge would fall into a tray where it could be carried around and placed in a rack located the same place the powder hoist and projectile hoist would be located.

With I think three sets of projectiles and powder cartridges, and some hustling, training gun crews could achieve the same loading and 'firing' rate of a real gun, which was about 20-25 rounds per minute.

The guns on Fletcher, Sumner, and Gearing class destroyers were fired from a central fire control room. However, during air raids the fire control room triggers were locked down and the guns fired when the breech block closed.

 

[Jim K]

The 5" 38 caliber had a 5" bore and a barrel 38 calibers, or 38x5" inches (15.8 feet) long.

For all you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask, see

http://www.destroyers.org/Ord-Articles/5_inch_twin.htm

Jim

 

[Pilgrim]

Loading machine on DD-479. It shows your training powder cartridges.

 

[Stickjockey]

Here's a guy has one of those simulators for sale:

http:www.g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=75352

Anyone got a spare $3000 and a burning desire for a really unique lawn ornament?

 

[fatelk]

You guys are great! I thought there might be someone here that knew something about it. I appreciate all the info. Now to find a home for them.
Looks like I'll have time off work next week to figure out ebay and get rid of a bunch of stuff cluttering up the place. I went to the doctor today and was hit out of the blue with the dreaded 'c' word, and surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The doctor is cautiously optimistic that he can get it all and it hasn't spread, but I'm more than a little freaked out. I'm not even 35 and have two little kids. I'm glad for decent insurance.
Anyhow, enough of the scary personal stuff. Thanks again for all the info.