German WW2 naval 37mm AA shell odd base markings

[Rrickoshae]

I wonder if anyone can solve this puzzle for me, the photo shows a 37mm German (1940 dated) naval AA shell with a plug fuze. However, the base plug is marked 'Bdvschr (the last letter may be an n) 8.8cm'

Does this mean that the shell is a sub calibre round for an 88mm weapon? Any other thoughts?

many thanks

Dave

 

[Rrickoshae]

having finally got the fuze off, it turns out there's a cigarette lighter inside so it will have to go to a trench art collector. But I would still be interested to know why the base plug is marked 8.8cm
Dave

 

[Nabob]

Hi,
Is the thread M 30x1,5 ?
Bob

 

[Rrickoshae]

no idea bob but are you thinking that this could be a Czech shell put to use by the German? The stampings in the body read 12F20/40 III then a small swastika over an M

Dave

 

[Rrickoshae]

see attached Bob, the fuze plug has had the threads removed and is a tight push fit but the profile is the same as a KZ40.

Dave

 

[Nabob]

Hello Dave,
the top part is "trench art"
I was more thinking about the base plug.
Does it unscrew? If so what is the thread size?
The projectile seems to be ordinary 3,7cm Sprgr for the SK C/30 AAgun.

Bob

 

[Rrickoshae]

hi Bob, no, I haven't been able to get the base plug out. I'm letting it soak in wd40 before giving it another go

Dave

 

[greif]

This plug is intended for closing the tracer hole in the base of a 8,8 cm HE- shell whenno tracer is fitted. ( Bd v schr = Boden verschluss schraube = base closingscrew) See part no. 4 in the picture.
Apparently the tracer element for the 8,8cm HE-shell has the same thread as the tracer element for the 3,7 cm HE-shell.So it fits. It is not original, but for a lighter that is OK.

 

[Nabob]

Thanks, that is the answer.
Bob

 

[Rrickoshae]

well done greif, and as you say, good enough for a lighter! Many thanks for the info, regards, dave