German 75mm Sprgr 34 with Unusual Weight Class Marking

[M8owner]

The probability that the paint and markings on this projectile are original is very high as I know its origin. The weight class is "R3" rather than the normal Roman numeral "III". I also love the sloppy "FES". This one sits in a KwK 40 case. It is also interesting to note the wide variety of steel qualities used in these. This one has a very high chrome content making very much like stainless steel.

 

[greif]

That isn’t a weight class marking.
It says R 8 = Rauchentwickler nr. 8 = smokebox nr. 8.

 

[M8owner]

Here I am still learning. Thank you greif. Why would an HE be marked with a smoke box number? Is this an Nb or smoke round?

 

[pzgr40]

It's a small smokebox below the booster for impact observation. If not present it would make impact observation on longer distances difficult

 

[M8owner]

You would not think a pound or 1/2 kilo of HE would need help being seen when it explodes.

 

[M8owner]

Just in case you have never seen a smoke box no. 8. Here is a real one. It is 50mm long by 25mm in diameter.