37mm 1 Pr pom pom with 121 time fuze?

[Darkman]

A friend of a friend in the UK has this 1 Pr pom pom fitted with a 121 time fuze. He’s had it for 30 years and is adamant that it’s genuine and original. A couple of years ago some of these were faked and sold on the market as I recall, but apparently this one is one of 2 “genuine” ones known! The story goes that they were used during the development and trials of the 121 fuze circa 1914/15 (a 121 Mk II or III fuze is fitted).

I’ve never seen or heard of one before and I’m extremely sceptical. During this era ordnance nomenclature was of very great importance for correct identification and safety. If this was genuine I’d expect to see the shell stamped X, Experimental or PoF (Proof of Fuze), or something similar - but it appears to be completely unstamped except for VSM. About the only way I could accept that this was genuine is if there was mention of it in the Ordnance Committee minutes or List of Changes.

The standard black powder shell conversion looks to have been done very competently to a high standard, but this should be relatively straightforward for a skilled machinist.

I’d be interested in any other thoughts on this shell, as so far I’m just not convinced.

Graeme.

 

[tigbrand]

Here's another on a dealers site in the UK. Cheers Tig.
https://authenticantiquearms.co.uk/product/very-unusual-british-1-pounder/

 

[Darkman]

Here's another on a dealers site in the UK. Cheers Tig.
https://authenticantiquearms.co.uk/product/very-unusual-british-1-pounder/

Yes, my only thought is to try and make a £35 round into a £200+ round. That one’s been turned down in a slightly different position and is taller.

 

[pzgr40]

You'd think the fuze would be modified (shortened) too. With this length of thread inside the -allready shortened- projectile body there is litte space for an effective explosive chage left.

 

[Darkman]

Any further thoughts on the originality or genuineness of this round?

 

[2pounder]

if its for 121 testing and development why not fitted with a MkI fuze and why not test etc with 2pr which was probably plentiful and more meaningful if that was what was to be used on. My thoughts n it.

 

[SG500]

Could it be in the wrong case?
Perhaps a 1 1/4 pounder? See this thread.
http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/threa...utomatic-37mm-1-1-4-Pr?highlight=1.25+pounder
Just throwing that idea out there, I don't know much about these old rounds.
Dave.

 

[ron3350]

You will see that the 121 fuzed projectile from Darkman has the usual centreing band found on 1Pr QF.
Those shown for 1.25 and 1.5" shells do not seem to have this extra band. Looks like a lathe job to me but who knows?