I believe this to be a fuze protector cap (see photo) and would like to find out which fuze it is designed to protect. As it is marked, No.5 Mk1 I had assumed that it was for the British No. 5 Pettman G.S. percussion from the WW1 era, however, having now seen the size and shape of this fuze I think that most unlikely. The mark, S.M. I assume to be a manufacturer's mark, Singer Manufacturing perhaps? The protector cap is conical, 96mm long and 62mm dia. at the base. It is made of a light gauge brass, open at the base and it also has a 14mm dia. hole in the tip, which may not be original. Internally it has the remains of a lining, which looks like brown paper with a thicker white, hard (perished) substance to the lower third of the cone.
It has been suggested to me that the cap may be for a WWII British No.199 time fuze - commonly used with the 3.7" AA shell, however, I have seen several examples of WW1 trench art ashtrays and ink wells made from caps of similar shape and size to mine so I still think it might be from WW1. Any help would be appreciated.
It has been suggested to me that the cap may be for a WWII British No.199 time fuze - commonly used with the 3.7" AA shell, however, I have seen several examples of WW1 trench art ashtrays and ink wells made from caps of similar shape and size to mine so I still think it might be from WW1. Any help would be appreciated.
Attachments
Last edited: