French 37mm AP shells. Id ?

[37bis]

Hello,
I am seeking information on the two 37mm shells right on the photo.

From left to right :
1 - French 37mm Mle 1938 AP (for 37x148r case)
2 - French 37mm Mle ?? AP (for what case ??)
3 - French 37mm Mle ?? AP - Seen on 37x223r US M16 french manufacturing cases post WW2 until the 1970s


Thanks for your help.
Didier

 

[Weasel]

Hi Didier,
Please see the thread below for the information you require.
Best regards Weasel.

http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/threads/71788-37mm-by-member-Gspragge

 

[37bis]

Thank you Weasel.
But these shells are not included in the excellent (!) documentation of Gordon.
Didier

 

[Gspragge]

Indeed ! They look post ww1 and not in my area of knowledge - I would look for an interwar casing with an all round crimp possibly to help identify these, as solid shot likely Tank or Casemate guns of a larger than 37x94 case.
Made for French M16 37mm case is interesting , first I have heard of it, but why not if guns were in French service.

 

[37bis]

Hello Gordon,
Yes, the FFL (Free French Forces) have been equipped with US equipment from 1942.

After 1945, a lot of equipment (vehicles, weapons, guns) was delivered to France. Among these, cannons M3, M, M6
These manuals are the US textbooks in French copy.

Until at least the 1970s, ammunition of 37 mm M16 were manufactured with APC shell or HE shell (look like M63)



This shell was used for test shots on shields developed by the French firm Creusot-Loire :


Didier

 

[Gspragge]

The interesting thing is that the M63 American is really just a copy of the French 1916 D shell --

 

[blu97]

When the us joined the 1 ww the had almost no large caliber guns so they had to buy them from France so a lot of projectiles where based on french projectiles like then 75 mm, 105 mm and the 155 mm.

 

[MINENAZ16]

The interesting thing is that the M63 American is really just a copy of the French 1916 D shell --

Hello Gspragge,

Could you give more details on the right shell with french design ?
It's the first time I see such a round. Is it a shot or a practice round (with Mle 17 D shape) ?

Regards

 

[Gspragge]

It is an explosive round, also the same was made in 47mm. First issue had a separate screw on nose.
Drawing from Belot and expanded by myself based on other examples. No actual original examples
of C & D have been found that I know of, but listed in 1918 scales.

 

[MINENAZ16]

Very interesting, thanks a lot. I missed it in my doc.

Regards