French WWI spiral artillery fuzes

[dano1917]

I know I can come up with some really dicey questions, and trying not to sound like the "village idiot" I have a question regarding the spiral French artillery fuzes of WWI. Why are some brass with the holes, then why are some covered in aluminum with no holes such as the 31 second 75mm fuze I have pictured??? Dano

 

[AndyD]

It's a lead cover that's removed before fitting the fuze.

Cheers,
Andy

 

[MINENAZ16]

Hi Dano,

French Time or T&P Fuzes with "Barillet" system were always brass made. Each fuze was covered with a cap of lead (to be removed before fire) ; these fuzes have always holes (not opened before use - or not visible because of dirt).
Look here : http://www.passioncompassion1418.com/decouvertes/fusees_collection_fr.html

Az16

 

[MINENAZ16]

a picture from passioncompassion1418

 

[US-Subs]

The holes are entry points for the flash of the propellant to ignite the black powder time element. There was a paper liner inside of the fuze, you would use a sharp tool to punch a hole at the setting you desired. The flash would enter at that point, burning down the spiral a longer or shorter time depending on where on the spiral the newly punched entry hole was located. The lead cover provided a seal against moisture and rough handling.

 

[dano1917]

Thanks gentlemen, that certainly clears things up for me. Greatly appreciated.....Dano