French 220mm {?}

[super7]

Bought this heavy lump of steel last weekend. It was advertised as a 220 mm French artillery shell but measurement do not add
up as being a French WW1 shell Mle.1915 although the shape and small drivingband suggests otherwise.

Total height with fuse adapter (=40 mm) = 760 mm
Diameter top with fuse adapter removed = 70 mm



Both these measurements are somewhat different then the standard Mle.1915. Can't test the thread of the adapter because someone
put a spot weld on the top thread of the shell. Need to sort that one out at a later date.

Question:
- Is this the correct adapter for this shell, what is the correction designation of the shell and what type of fuse did it use.
- Does anybody knows what exactly I have bought if it is not a French 220 mm shell?

Much appreciated.

Regards, Jan
http://www.westernfront.nl

 

[MINENAZ16]

Hello,

I think you really have a French 220mm but a model 1914 (shorter than 1915).
French documentation mentions a length of 712mm without adapters (748 with two adapters), so due to manufacturing tolerance, it's ok.
Note : first adapter (ring) is 77mm/87mm model 1915-A, second (gaine) for a 30mm fuze is 40mm/55mm model 1895.

Regards

 

[super7]

Many thanks indeed. Glad to hear it is the real deal afterall. Adapter, iner-adapter with gaine are all present. My adapter looks identical
to the one you displayed. What kind of fuse did it use?

Regards, Jan

 

[MINENAZ16]

30/45mm Siège et Montagne 1878/1881 series could be very good