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:
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.
Oh I definitely agree, In some circumstances it's pointless
Removing the barrel and discarding somewhere else is a great way to hide evidence too.
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.