Vasco Da Gama
Well-Known Member
I was pleased to find this shell recently. I believe it is one of the original Ehrhardt pattern shells supplied by the manufacturer of the 15pdr QF secretly bought in 1900 to improve the capability of British artillery during the Boer War. The fuze and thread is different from all other British types. After all the original ammunition had been used up, the weapon was issued with the same projectiles as used in the older 15pdr BL and BLC guns. Base is marked for Forged Steel and 15pdr, very much in the British way. Likely date on the fuze would indicate manufacture in 1903. Some evidence of red paint on the base and fuze adapter. Length of shell body is 235mm, adapter ring is 24mm wide and the driving band is 8 mm wide.
