Early proximity fuze.

[15 inch]

Label indicates manufacture by T. G. Co in 1941. Has an optical component and a battery. Diameter approx. 80mm. I have never seen another one but wondering how common they are?
Cheers, D.

 

[Chris]

Here some info about this fuze

Regards Chris

 

[TimG]

Strictly speaking it's a pistol not a fuze. A No. 710 photo-electric pistol. For use with the anti-aircraft 3" UP (unrotated projectile (rocket)). Made by T.G. Co - The Gramophone Company, Hayes, Middx. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Gramophone_Co

I know of two and a half specimens (now 3.5).

TimG

 

[15 inch]

Amazing, thanks Chris. Many mysteries solved in that document.
Tim, I found two in a Disposals store about 40 years ago, but sold one at a gun show soon after. So maybe there are now 4.5 existing somewhere in the world...

 

[Bombdoc]

There is another one in the Army School of Ammunition (..or whatever it is called this week!)

Fun fact.. the photocell in this Pistol was used in the punched tape reader of Colossus, the first digital computer at Bletchley park. They were recovered from pistols when they became obsolete towards the end of the War.. The late Tony Sale, who rebuilt Colossus in the 90s was always on the scrounge for them!

 

[15 inch]

I suppose Tommy, Max and Alan are responsible for most of the pistols being broken up, and Tony for most of the rest. Small price to pay for winning WW2, plus it makes the survivors a bit more collectable.
The Gramophone Co is also an interesting connection with 18pr cartridge cases many of us no doubt have stashed away.