Is this a projectile ?

[sturgis]

I came across this. Is it a projectile ? Approx 30mm diameter (120mm long)
Hope the picture is clear enough.
Richard

 

[Burney Davis]

Looks like it's probably a salesman's sample, to save carrying the real ones around.

 

[Gspragge]

Can you show the whole thing Thanks -

 

[sturgis]

You are correct that its not a real projectile (I dont think it is). Made as a lighter. I dont think its converted, but I thought the markings may have given an indication of origin ?
R.

 

[Burney Davis]

You are correct that its not a real projectile (I dont think it is). Made as a lighter. I dont think its converted, but I thought the markings may have given an indication of origin ?
R.

It is a representation of a (large) 60 pounder shrapnel shell. Lighters were not normally made with such markings on the base but perhaps it was a presentation piece.

 

[sturgis]

Yes it is well detailed and made. Steel not brass. All the markings seem to match with what I can see online for a real shell. I wonder what the F. S. represents ? Also the makers mark is on there, would be nice to track that down too.
R.

EDIT...F S Forged Steel

 

[SG500]

Nice item.
Here's a few more.
Dave.

http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/threads/62887-Mini-8-inch?highlight=salesmans

 

[Snufkin]

The monogram seems to be NPF intertwined within a projectile shape, which would be appropriate as the 60-pr forgings and shell were for the most part produced by the National Projectile Factories. The "Lot number" might reference a drawing number.

A couple of NPF 60-pr Shrapnel contract examples below.

It would be interesting to see primary source evidence of scale models having a sales purpose. The British Government, specifically the Ministry of Munitions, generated the demand, the contract and was the customer. Maybe there was a need for a scale model to accompany the Design Department drawings.


.

 

[sturgis]

This is great to know what it is. Here a few more photos. Having looked at a real 60lb shrapnel shell, this model replicates where the nose cone comes off and even has the little screw attachments showing!
Great to know the maker too.
It looks as though the base comes off to access the lighter reservoir, but has seized over the years and someone has attempted to get in and has scuffed up the driving band.
What do you think something like this could be worth ?
R.

 

[Andysarmoury]

What a fantastic round and would make a great collection if you had a set of them, thanks for showing.
Cheers
Andy

 

[Burney Davis]

I don't want to sound too 'picky' about this but the representative fuze is modeled on a number 106 which would not have been used on shrapnel shells. It's strange that almost every other detail appears to be accurate.

 

[sturgis]

Making the real 60lb shell at the NPF Birtley (Belgian run) factory.
https://co-curate.ncl.ac.uk/national-projectile-factory/

 

[Alpini]

on flickr.com the images are in full-size:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/29295370@N07/with/14713203231/

 

[Gspragge]

Health and Safety would have a field day ~ One might be safer at the front :tinysmile_eyebrow_t