Cooper Bomb Colour

[SHAKY]

As I am slowly coming nearer to completion of my Cooper bomb tail restoration, I could use some guidance as far as paint choice and proper colour. Would I most likely find this at an automotive paint supply ? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciate.
Cheers, SHAKY

 

[SHAKY]

Still waiting on a few parts. I will also have to "replace" one of the vanes also somehow.

 

[kahu1]

Not sure on the exact colours.

Bob

 

[SHAKY]

I think the yellow changed post WW1 to the "mustard yellow". So it is a lighter yellow.

 

[Fusse2004]

Hallo SHAKY Look here! Maybe it will help you!

 

[SHAKY]

Thanks Fusse2004. I think on your example, the yellow would be original, but it has been painted as a U.S. Mark II frag ? Mine is same as yours as I have noticed some differences in manufacture between other Cooper/Mark II. e.g. suspension lug cast in, riveted loop, screw in etc. However yours also has a loop on the tail which adds to my confusion as I have seen these mostly on U.S. versions. Mine also has "Whitworth ?" threads so I am told, which would also possibly identify it as British. This also was important in determining the colour for mine, as other examples of U.S. Mark II's I've seen seem to be painted green, but could also be post war identification colour changes?
SHAKY

 

[staples57]

I came across this photo and thought it may help with the colours...

Cheers,
Brad

 

[SHAKY]

Thanks Brad. That's the best original markings I've seen so far. The yellow has darkened from age I suspect.

 

[staples57]

It's quite amazing how the old paint changes colour over time.

I've always thought that it's possibly due to the lead content but the lack of a base primer would allow the underlying surface/materials to leech through over time.

The battle to restore to original colours or to aged colours has always been a tough decision.

All the best with your restoration!
I look forward to seeing more photos as the restoration progresses.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Spaceinvader]

Here is another one, its for sale too. Hope its of some help

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=440179098

 

[SHAKY]

Here is another one, its for sale too. Hope its of some help

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=440179098

I'd say an o.k. price on that bomb. But it's not a Cooper. I'd buy it if I could however.
SHAKY

 

[Spaceinvader]

Oh its not? What is it then?

 

[SHAKY]

I think a 20 pound Hales. The the fuze and tail is very different to a Cooper.

 

[SHAKY]

This will be as far as I go with this Cooper for now. I have stopped short of the marking-nomenclature on it for now. The paint is most crisp compared to an original hand painted one but is absolutely fine with me. I am most pleased with the results of a good friend and fellow collectors work on this. He has built up a new tail section including turning down a beechwood rolling pin to proper dimensions, getting the "fins" made up, and putting it together with re-manufactured parts. The threaded part connecting to the body was made at a local machine shop. I owe most of this project to Hangarman (Gary), as he was kind enough to "borrow" a Cooper locally to get the dimensions for me to rebuild the tail section. Thanks to everyones input. I hope you enjoy the photos. I am extremely pleased with it now.
Cheers SHAKY

 

[hangarman]

Hi Shaky,
Fantastic restoration. Glad to be of assistance.
Cheers
Gary

 

[Gspragge]

I think I saw that at an Orangeville show several years back, chap from Dundalk had it. Totally
odd as a decorator ~ It was not inexpensive so I hope the price dropped.

 

[Gspragge]

I took these images outside today in natural light, grey cloudy day so perfect. 1916 HE .
The paint colour shows well and I have not cleaned it so all natural. If the RFC which
at the time was an Army organization used army colouration, this ought to be correct.
The best other source for colour would be mint rifle grenades of the period.
I'm sure quality and other issues of the time made for some variation as well.

 

[Gspragge]

Presuming mine is a U.S. made MKll , what is the proper colour for such as opposed to a British made example?
Any other information would be interesting as when made wether any got overseas and
made for Britian and so on. I'm rather starting from scratch.

 

[Gspragge]

I have learned a little.
But the information doesn't say if or when production was stopped
after the armistice. But it would seem there were less of these than
some of the other types. Wether any got overseas is another question,
but doubtful.