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:
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.
Include the link to !forgottenweapons@lemmy.world - it's a cool community and you deserve the plug!
Thanks! It would be interesting to know more about it