Good Evening All!
Well the years of "sulking" for letting my 15pdr shrapnel projectile go has finally come to an end as I have managed to find some more than suitable "replacements"!!!
The first set of photos show a 15pdr Mk II shrapnel projectile dated 1896, still with original traces of paint, including a painted broad arrow on the body, which I have not seen before on these.
It has a matching 1897 No 56 Time and Percussion fuze.
The second set of photos show a 15pdr Mk V shrapnel projectile dated 1900, unfortunately no original paintwork was left, but a reasonable example. It also has matching 1901 No 56 T&P fuze fitted. (I have also included a photo of the rusty state I received it in, prior to cleaning it up!)
I was also curious on the differences between the 15pdr shrapnel shell Mks and finally dug up an old 15pdr H/book reference: (for those that may be merely interested!)
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15pdr Shrapnel Shell variations in the Mks
Mark VI:
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The body of the shell is of forged steel (FS). A plain copper driving band is fitted into a undercut groove turned 0.66 inch from the base. The groove has two waved ribs to prevent the band from turning on the shell, and three chisel cuts across the ribs to facilitate the pressing of the band.
The head of the shell is fitted with a gunmetal fuse hole socket screwed to the G.S. gauge, and secured to the body with screws and twisting pins.
A tin cup is fitted in the base to contain the bursting charge (1.5 oz R.F.G powder).
The interior of the shell is lined with brown paper and has also a tin lining which contains about 230 bullets (41 per lb.) and resin, being supported by a steel disc over the tin cup.
A metal tube is screwed into the steel disc, and the upper end, which is prepared internally to receive a primer, is secured to the fuze socket by means of a metal nut.
Mark V:
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Differs from the Mark VI in having a driving band with front slope serrated.
The shell contains 192 balls (35 per lb)
Mark III:
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Mk III & Mk IV also differ from the Mk V in having a driving band with two cannelures, but in the case of the Mk III, the groove is not undercut.
Mark II:
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Is similar to the Mk III, but is filled with 200 balls (35 per lb).
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I'm still curious to how many Mk I, Mk II or Mk IIIs are currently out there?
From a poll of a number of fellow Oz collectors that have 15pdr shrapnel rounds, all seem to have Mk V in their collections.
I would expect some in the UK???
Enjoy!
Cheers
Drew