U.S. 105mm AA M38 shell & M2 M/T fuze

[shelldude]

Here are some photographs of a very scarce U.S. antiaircraft shell & fuze that we used from 1927 - 1945. Eighteen of the AA guns were installed around the Panama Canal during this time frame. Everything about the round is rare including the M2 M/T fuze and 1927 dated brass casing. I have to thank Erhard (mrfuze) again for allowing me to add this beautiful shell to my collection. I will send a separate thread detailing the M2 fuze later this week.
I apologize for using the Budweiser can for scale but it was all I had available. The inscription on the casing base reads: 105MM AA MOD EI - GUN MOD 1927 - LOT 1 F.A. The casing is 30 & 3/8" in length and 6 & 1/4" at the base. The complete round is 45 & 1/8" in length. I've included some reference material about the gun and ammunition.

Best regards,

Randall

 

[HAZORD]

Congratulations Randall! I've wanted one of those for 30 years! It's nice to see photos of a real one, instead of the drawings in the manuals.

 

[US-Subs]

Very nice, and in excellent condition.

Here is a similar piece, not nearly so nice, but with a different rotating band. This one is marked:

LOT I -28 FA
105 HE A.A. SHELL M2AI
DRC. GA - I067-I0-27-25
U.O.

It appears to have done double duty as a lamp, there is a threaded hole in the base, right through the copper cover, and a 2cm hole in the side. I've never seen anything like the fuze screwed in the nose, looks original to the piece, but might be a parts fuze for appearance? Two holes in the fuze make it look like it was wired to a board.

 

[shelldude]

U.S. 105MM AA M38 & M2 M/T fuze...

Hello John & Jeff,

Thanks for the kind words regarding the M38. I'm still pinching myself to remind me that I've actually found one. Here's a question for both of you.
Do you have any idea what the "O.H.P." refers to that is stamped both on the projectile as well as the fuze? I've been unable to decipher it. Jeff, your M2A1 105mm is unique with the strange fuze assembly. I've never seen anything like it either.

Best regards,

Randall

 

[SG500]

Very nice shell, thanks for showing it. Never even heard of that one.
Dave.

 

[HAZORD]

Randall,

I think it stands for Outrageously Hard-to-find Projectile.

 

[shelldude]

John,

Hmmm, could it be...

THANKS for giving me a good laugh, I needed one at this time of the day.

Take care