37 x 94R mm with wooden projectiles.

[Andy Naude]

I received these two 37 x 94R rounds. They both have wooden projectiles which are the full length of the case. They have both been weighted and weigh 500 grams each. the overall length is 162 and 163 mm. They each have 4 holes drilled in the side and 3 holes drilled in the base. The one case is sterile and the other has the V S & M logo.

Has any one seen anything similar to these?

 

[highlandotter]

they look like practice rounds for safe loading practice.

 

[reccetrooper]

Andy, I found a drawing of what I think they are, with dimensions, on google images. Doing the maths, the shoulder is 2.61” (66.29mm) from the base. Can you check the case dimensions against the drawing.

 

[Gspragge]

Simplified very possibly locally made version of the issue types which were perhaps
not available.

 

[Hoeksel]

I recently found 2 3,7 cm rounds with wooden dummies that resemble the UK projectiles. I think they are original, although the cases are not drilled accordingly. They are most likely Norwegian. First, I got them from a Norwegian collector, secondly one of the cases is early Norwegian (the Hotchkiss is export) and as last, early Norwegian rounds are UK design. The wooden projectile has a cavity to compensate for the primer inside the case. I could not find anything in the great books of Mellichamp on these.

 

[Gspragge]

What holds the wood to the projectile as far as you can tell.

 

[Hoeksel]

Not sure how. Only logical way would be glue at the primer cavity and/or driving bands. But I have no proof for that.

 

[2pounder]

if you look at the second set of photos you can see the 3 brass screws through the neck. I think the wooden ones with ''driving'' bands are home made replicas, too elaborate for drill and why colour them?

 

[Hoeksel]

Yes, they are elaborate and high quality. That is actually why I doubt home made. So 2 opinions based on the same facts. I have seen such an example before recently, but only as image on Facebook.