18 PDR Proj, which type?

[AndyD]

Picked up this 18 pdr proj today (the one in the middle on the pics) but it has me baffled.
No markings present at all and it feels extremely light in weight when compared to the shrapnel and HE proj I have.

Any clues out there please?

Cheers,
Andy

 

[AndyD]

Same height as HE on right, slightly taller than shrapnel (left), but takes a fuze adapter?
Going to guess at shrapnel due to needing adapter for fuze, but can anyone explain why it's taller than the other shrapnel round and why it feels so much lighter?

 

[Darkman]

It's an earlier mark shrapnel shell for use with the lightweight (all alloy) fuze. I think they were about 5/8" longer than the later Mk shells and thinner wall thickness in places. The change occurred about Mk VIII or IX shells, about 1916-17. If you look at the markings on your shorter shell it should be around a Mk IX or higher and 1917 or later. If you can get hold of a late WW1 or early postwar 18 pdr handbook it should explain the differences.

 

[AndyD]

Many thanks Darkman!