FRENCH 155mm HE..Holes in base???

[starshell]

Hello,

I was recently offered a nice French 155mm HE shell, (not sure which model off the top of my head), but it stood around 18" tall with a drive band around 3/4 "wide, with gently curved ogive radius. Not boat tailed either.
What caused me to step back was the 4 holes in the base. They were around 7-8mm diameter and didn't appear to have been threaded. The odd thing was they looked to have been linked together in the shell base (see images) although I can't be sure.

My question is, should these holes be there? Am I missing something? My first thought were that perhaps it had been mounted onto something as a display piece, memorial, etc.
Unfortunately I couldn't get a picture, hence the poor illustrations....

The rest of the shell was fine. I was always under the impression that any hole or fissure in the base of a shell was a no go, so any pointers or help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.

 

[frijoles108]

did the base appear removable? my 9.2 inch (while it is british) has similar indentations, or holes, in the base for a tool to fit into it to remove the base for filling. Only thing i can think of. I'd get pics but its a bit heavy, ill search to see if i have a old picture in the meantime

 

[MINENAZ16]

Maybe you have 155mm model 1877 (not easy without picture).
This shell (and others) were fitted with holes made, as far as I know, for carrying (small ropes inserted in holes)

http://www.fortiffsere.fr/artillerie/index_fichiers/Page863.htm

 

[Yodamaster]

I agree Minenaz, 155mm Mle 1877 à balles


Yoda

 

[starshell]

Many thanks to all, much appreciated!

frijoles108: Many thanks for your help. I have a few 9.2"s with similar holes for screwing the base in (would love to find the 'key' for one of these shells....):tinysmile_grin_t:
MINENAZ16: Many thanks for the link. The shell I refer to is the one illustrated in the link, that's for sure, so it all makes sense. Great link, very comprehensive so thank you.
yodamaster: Many thanks also for your help, and the reference to the 155mm shrapnel. Seems the holes were a common thing then. I wonder when they were phased out?

Cheers!