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Unidentified objects found on an old army camp

C

corblimy

Well-Known Member
I was metal detecting on an old Army camp site yesterday with the owner of the land. He has found several of these and asked me to post images on here. He has called the EOD in before to remove dangerous items and wonders if these ought to be included on their next visit. They are about the size of a thick fountain pen. Is the attached case image I included an Boys Anti Tank rifle casing? It has been fired.

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The first ones are pull switches used for detonating explosives & were used by all sorts of army units . The case is probably a Boyes but a head stamp would help . Mike.
 
Thanks siegrfreid,
So these are just switches and not dangerous?

The casing headstamp is K40 with WII
Many thanks.
 
Hi Corblimy

The pull switches are American in origin, WW2 in vintage, and originally contained a percussion cap to initiate the charge. The absence of the safety pin suggests that they have been discharged, but this cannot be confirmed without disassembly. Percussion cap capable of a nasty burn if it is initiated, so if in any doubt, leave it for the professionals.

Cheers

Switch
 
switch is there much difference in the US version to the British or is the difference just the fuze adapter
 
Hi Spotter

First obvious difference is the fuze adapter, which is the standard US pattern. Secondly, the shape of the machining on the top end is slightly different to the British pattern. Thirdly, early US pull Switches that predate the more common US M1 pattern are machined out of brass, and finished with an olive green paint rather than the usual MD1 blackened finish which you are familiar with. Fourthly, these switches were often supplied with a fixing loop made out of braided steel wire that is soldered to the body, rather than the usual MD1 L shaped bracket. Looks improvised, but that is how they were made. Finally, MD1 Switches are normally marked MD1, with an A number denoting the individual inspector, stamped on the collar.

Picture 1 is definitely a US model, and I would suggest that picture 2 may be British manufactured models - bad to tell without being able to see the adaptor.

I think that these early US pull switches were made to UK specifications to supplement our supplies, and that they became obsolete with the adoption of the standard M1 pull switch. I will try to find some pictures tomorrow to illustrate. Bonnex can probably add some more detail!

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Switch
 
The cartridge case is a Boys Armour Piercing Mark II made by Kynoch, Birmingham in 1940.

Regards
TonyE
 
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