Unusual attachment to WW1 37MM shell

[kevingbergin]

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Hello all,

This is my first post. Can anyone help me to identify the fuse on this 37mm shell, and tell me what the unusual metal strip fitted between the fuse and the shell is for. My grandfather fought in France and Belgium in WW1 and brought this shell back with him after the war. My aunt passed it down to me about 3 months ago and I would like to find out more about it. On its base of its casing is stamped PDPs 37-85, 4, 9.17, and the casing itself is decorated as you can see. The casing comes away from the projectile, and it is empty inside. The fuse has a slot cut transversely across its tip, and it looks like the fuse is screwed onto the shell itself, though i have not tried to unscrew it.

What type of fuse is this, is it French/British/German, and how did it detonate the explosive charge ?
What is the purpose of the metal attachment between the fuse and the shell ?
Is it possible that this is a composite piece put together to make a souvenir, ie. a French casing with a german fuse ?

Thank you

[highlandotter]

The round is French and it looks like it has been "trench arted" I cannot figure out what the cross piece that has been fitted between the fuze and the projectile function is.Looks like it is supposedto hold something.

[wemme]

I agree... looks like almost a salt and pepper shaker holder.

[Gspragge]

All you have to do is unscrew the head and remove the offending object if you wish , then it is fine, this time there appears to be no damage to the projectile. A plain undecorated case should be easy to find. The fuze is internal and if you take the head off you will be able to see what is left inside. The brass bit with the slot in the nose is the top of the firing pin.

I have marked with a white X the one you have, Mle 1916 HE

[beihan62]

Hi Kevinbergin,Welcome to the forum,I have seen similar using larger shells to make holders for fire irons,poker coal tongs etc,I would think your round was as has been stated was "trench arted"to make a holder for a condiment set or sugar tongs,or even a smokers pipe holder,whichever yours was intended for a nice piece of history,
Regards,
Don,

[kevingbergin]

Thanks very much to each of you for your help. I am reluctant to tamper with the shell itself. Although the casing is 'trench arted' and empty of any charge, i cannot be 100% certain about the shell or fuse. Its been in our family for about 94 years now any my aunt tells me that as far as she is aware the fuse and shell have not been separated in that time. I would imagine myself though that to fit that piece of metal between the fuse nose and the shell that the shell would have to be made safe and the explosive and detonator charges taken out.

Just a couple of more questions Gspragge. Was the crosscut slot on top of the firing pin original specification, and what was the purpose of the slot?
After the shell casings were had been 'trench arted', where would the craftsman have had access to the shells or projectiles to complete the piece?
What does the letters Mle stand for, and what does 1916 HE indicate. Does the 1916 indicate the year of patent or year of manufacture?
Thanks again.