165mm AVRE markings

[glevum]

I have a 165mm AVRE round and wonder if anyone can tell me what the markings mean.

It is marked on the side:

165mm AVRE

SX172A

PAT 2/68

BMB

And on the base

SX1003

I am interested in the SX172A, PAT and BMB, plus the SX1003

I tried to take a picture, but the markings do not photograph well with a flash.

 

[glevum]

I've managed to get some pictures showing the markings today.

 

[TimG]

Glevum,

A bit too modern for me but I think:

PAT is ROF Patricroft, an engineering ROF who made the body.
SX 172A is the drawing/ part number of the body or maybe thw whole projectile
Not sure what item SX1003 is stamped, but again drawing/part number.
I don't know the meaning of BMB.

Bonnex will be along shortly, he'll explain all.

Regards

TimG

 

[Bonnex]

Glevum,

A bit too modern for me but I think:

PAT is ROF Patricroft, an engineering ROF who made the body.
SX 172A is the drawing/ part number of the body or maybe thw whole projectile
Not sure what item SX1003 is stamped, but again drawing/part number.
I don't know the meaning of BMB.

Bonnex will be along shortly, he'll explain all.

Regards

TimG

I'm not sure about all but you have it nailed Tim. SX172A is the drawing number for the "Shell, 165mm, AVRE, Practice, SH" (Original nomenclature) - there should be a P stamped above the 165 mm AVRE. SX1003 is the drawing number for the base and SX1002 would be the drawing number for the body. Without going into complicated detail the A in SX172A implies an 'assembly' and in this case it is an assembly of SX1002 and SX1003.

BMB might be the steel makers code.

 

[glevum]

Thanks Gentlemen.

Bonnex I had closer look and there is indeed a faint P stamped above the 165mm AVRE that I had not noticed before.

Regards,

Will.