36 Base Plugs

[gunsmart777]

Hello

Can some one tell me for shore ,that the no 23 MK111 Base Plug was used in the
early no 36 or not

Thanks

 

[Millsman]

The 23Mk III was basically the No 36 before they changed the name. It had all the changes built in. The fact that the redesign from the No 5 / 23 included the body, lever, striker, filler plug, baseplug and body markings meant that it deserved to be given a new number in the series. The 23 Mk III and the No 36 ran in parallel to the end of the Great War. In many cases the 23 Mk III was delivered with rods or gas checks and the No 36 was mainly used with gas checks or hand thrown.

John

 

[gunsmart777]

Thanks John

That explains why i have seen the no 23 Mk 111 Base Plug in some no 36

Martin

 

[Millsman]

What you should never see is a No 23 Mk III base plug in a No 5/23 body. That would be completely wrong.

Here is one of the first issued drawings for the 23 MkIII showing the Hearn base plug fitted but the plan design for the plug is clearly not finished.

John

 

[gunsmart777]

John

What would be the Chance of finding a no 23 MK 111 base plug ?
In good condition.

Martin

 

[usa1918]

It's Possible if you're in Europe. Here in the States it took me a year.

Keith

 

[Millsman]

Martin,

I'll keep an eye out for you but Good is a subjective word regarding cast iron plugs. Here's a photo ( not great quality) of two Mk III's in my collection. One dated 1918 is quite clean the other is a bit pitted but as both have good threads and screw into grenades they could both be called Good.

My only really mint base plug I have Mk III came with a nickle plated presentation grenade (1918 dated), which was a rare find (see photo).

John