I found this complete round in an antique shop and could not turn it down for $150. It is amazing the projectile and case stayed together all these years. The case mouth is much larger than the projectile, and the two will not mate as these were separately loaded. The M103 tank had two loaders, and it was in service from 1957-1974 with only 300 tanks made - most went to the Marine Corps. These rounds were supposed to punch holes in Soviet IS-3 tanks. It is shown next to a 115mm HE round for the Soviet T-62 tank and a US 1960 dated, brass 105mm tank case. It is amazing the US made a plain old 1940 technology AP round in 1960 for this gun. This M358 AP round is simply an hardened steel penetrator with ballistic cap design - no tungsten core. This same ammunition was used in the British Conqueror heavy tank.
My primary question is about the paint on the projectile. The paint appears original, but the aluminum nose is pained black and the body is Olive Drab. All the photos I can find of these rounds show them repainted all black. Is this dual paint scheme original? I have seen US 57mm and 76mm AP rounds with original Olive Drab paint, and I even have an original paint 76mm AP with a black nose and Olive Drab body.
The brass case is supposed to be topped off by a combustible, black plastic cap. Does anyone have a spare cap?
Thank you for your help.
My primary question is about the paint on the projectile. The paint appears original, but the aluminum nose is pained black and the body is Olive Drab. All the photos I can find of these rounds show them repainted all black. Is this dual paint scheme original? I have seen US 57mm and 76mm AP rounds with original Olive Drab paint, and I even have an original paint 76mm AP with a black nose and Olive Drab body.
The brass case is supposed to be topped off by a combustible, black plastic cap. Does anyone have a spare cap?
Thank you for your help.