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My late mother bought these in a box of odds and ends at a local saleroom, probably in the 1950s. She had them as ornaments on her mantle piece for many years. I think these are primers from 25 pounder artillery shells, though I stand to be corrected on that.
Regards
Peter

This may be of interest, it has a lot of info on headstamps etc

https://stephentaylorhistorian.com/2018 ... and-tubes/

They are electrically fired primers. You can tell by the black insulation around the center contact.

They are from the 5.25" QF Naval Gun.

The correct term is " vent tube ". The tube part is packed with black powder as the initiating charge.

Vent Tubes are inserted into the breech of the gun after the charge has been loaded.

They are generally used with combustible bagged charges such as in the Chieftain Tank 120mm gun.

These are primers that are fitted into a shell case which is loaded complete with the primer

Thanks for the information everyone. Much appreciated.
Regards
Peter.