Vasco Da Gama
Well-Known Member
For general interest pictured is a pre-WW1 British 18pdr shrapnel shell with an early aluminium No 80.1 fuse. For comparison I have placed alongside a recovered example from later in the war. The differences are obvious, a smaller driving band and a crimping groove that is not apparent on later projectiles. Some stampings are just legible, Forged Steel (FS) and potentially a 1911 date.
The fuse markings are clear, EOC, VM, 80.1, 133 and 5/06. Interesting that the aluminium No 80 fuses did not appear to find favour and were replaced by brass for most wartime examples.
The fuse markings are clear, EOC, VM, 80.1, 133 and 5/06. Interesting that the aluminium No 80 fuses did not appear to find favour and were replaced by brass for most wartime examples.