Vasco Da Gama
Well-Known Member
Pictured is what I think is an early British 4.5in Howitzer shell, length 345mm and diameter 114mm. I think it is an early example because of the wide driving band (width 30mm), later WW1 examples have a far narrow band. I don't think it is a shrapnel shell as the side walls are thick and there is no pocket at the base for the gunpowder charge to expel the balls. The construction of the nose is interesting as the top section (65mm deep) appears to be fixed to the main body, I don't understand the deep hole and lower screw fixing pictured? Just an early HE variant, the fuse pocket has a deep threaded section and takes a No 101 fuse nicely or something else? Glad to be educated, don't worry about the colour merely applied to prevent rust until I can work out what it should look like!