Pre-WW1 13pdr & 18pdr Shrapnel

[Vasco Da Gama]

I thought to post a couple of pictures of a comparison between the Mk1 13pdr and 18pdr shrapnel projectiles. These weapons came into service together in about 1904 and the fuzes were produced under licence from Krupp. The 18pdr went on to a long career with about 9000 guns being made but the smaller 13pdr did not deliver the weight of shell required for WW1 conditions and I think only about 250 were made. The 18pdr has No 80 Mk1 fuze and the 13pdr a No 80 Mk2, difference can be noted in the close-up photo.

13pdr Markings: QF 13pdr, Mk1, FS, VSM and 13/12/05. Fuze RL, 80II, 172, 9/07

18pdr Markings: only FS visible. Fuze EOC, VM, 80I, 133, 5/06