1.5lb Naval Automatic Cannon shells

[Millsman]

I've just bought two 1.5lb Vickers Sons & Maxim (VSM) projectiles and cases but know very little about them. They are both dated December 1914 on the projectiles and the cases are rooted in a sort of solid rubber base for display purposes. The projectiles are un-fired with bands intact.

Are these projectiles rare?



Any insight would be appreciated.

John

 

[highlandotter]

Not rare, but not common either, They were in the line leading up to the 2 pdr Naval Maxim gun.

 

[HAZORD]

Those look nice! Any chance of a straight-on side photo?

 

[Tony Williams]

See: http://quarryhs.co.uk/37-40mm.htm

 

[Millsman]

See: http://quarryhs.co.uk/37-40mm.htm

Thanks for the link,

The key paragraph seems to be:

"It soon became obvious that the low velocity of the 1 PR was a handicap in dealing with aircraft, so more powerful versions were developed. Vickers, who made Maxim guns, produced first the 1¼ PDR and then the 1½ PDR Mk 1 naval guns, both firing a much more powerful 37x123R cartridge (the 1¼ PDR was loaded with the shells from the 1 PR, the 1½ PDR had heavier shells). These saw very little use, however, before being replaced by the 2 PR No.1, basically the same but with the case necked out and extended to 40x158R. Although primarily designed for naval use, it was employed in land service as well during WW1."

This confirms what Highlandotter says perfectly.

John

 

[Millsman]

Those look nice! Any chance of a straight-on side photo?

Yes, I'll post one later.

John

 

[Millsman]

Some more photos.

John

 

[Gspragge]

Who says these are at all common, I've never found one ! Can you show the cartridge bases.

 

[Millsman]

Sorry they are embedded in the rubber base.

 

[highlandotter]

Yes, John. You have made up for my stinginess off words. I have both the 11/4 pdr and 2 of the 11/2 pdrs after 20 years of searching. Only COW rounds and Nordenfelt 38mm have been scarcer.

 

[Gspragge]

I would suggest removing those bases

 

[tigbrand]

Do the projectiles come out? If so are they fuzed,that would be a bonus! If the don't then as Gordon says remove them from the bases.These are not common unless you have a big wallet. Nice finds. Tig.

 

[Millsman]

I won't be touching them. I'll leave that for the next custodian. I've seen too many damaged items so would not want to degrade them in any way.

I'm looking forward to seeing the 1 1/4 pdr. They must be even rarer.

John