Vasco Da Gama
Well-Known Member
I was asked to help identify the shell pictured below on the wooden base, no problem I thought. It is in very good condition and I expected to read the details on the side or after a gentle tap to remove the wood the markings on the base. Pride comes before a fall, there are no markings on the side or base! The shell body is also a HE or practice projectile as it weighs 10lbs without a fuze. The inside is very narrow and there is no pocket at the bottom for a propelling charge or push plate. The fired driving band is also new to me with very tight rifling grooves. So it is time to ask the experts, the shell body is 220mm long, diameter at base 73.9mm, diameter across the band 76.1mm, distance below the band 17mm. The threaded section within the nose is 20mm (too shallow for the 100 series impact fuzes, a 103 will fit but the profile is wrong). My best guess is a 12pdr 12cwt separate loading HE or practise shell. Confused by the no80 mk7 fuze that is a perfect fit and came with it. Pictured alongside a 13pdr shrapnel for comparison. Over to you!
