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M83 mystery

SG500

SG500

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
The attached photos show a mystery M 83 I've had in my collection for a while, Kev you may recognise it :tinysmile_twink_t2:

The wings are correct M 83 wings. The body is unusual in that it is like a German SD 2 not an M 83. The arming wire is also unique, unlike a service M 83 and with a fitting that is similar to the way an SD 2 arming wire attaches to the arming rod. The "Fuze doesn't unscrew, it looks to be part of the body and made to look like a fuze (don't worry its not live, you can see into the empty body through the holes in the top of the "fuze". The "fuze" is also of smaller diameter than either M 83 or SD 2 fuzes.

I was going to dismantle it and attach a genuine M 83 body and fuze but wanted to ask the experts on their views. Looking at the patina of the whole unit I believe this is an item that was made many years ago and that the body and wings have been together for a long time.

I suspect that this is an old fake that someone constructed from drawings or from looking at an SD 2, so getting confused on what really went with the M 83 wings but I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

IMG_8725.jpgIMG_8726.jpgIMG_8729.jpgIMG_8730.jpg
 
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If it looks uniform and aged it may be an early trainer or development piece. Either would have historic value on it's own. Keep it as is.
 
US-Subs said:
If it looks uniform and aged it may be an early trainer or development piece. Either would have historic value on it's own. Keep it as is.
Click to expand...

OK thanks US-Subs, you've convinced me, I didn't want to do anything stupid, it'll stay as it is.

Dave.
 
Hi Dave, yes I recognise it. I have to agree with Jeff on this one, keep it as is. If you remove the unusual bits and replace with standard body you just end up with a bog standard M83, nothing more nothing less. This is an unusual piece and as crude as it may appear it may well have been made in this way so as to easily distinguish it from the would be 'live' variety.
I definately wouldnt mess with this one, I have learnt the hard way not to dismiss unusual items as they often prove to be the scarcer pieces in the long run.

regards Kev
 
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