Unknown 37mm Possibly French

[doppz92]

Hello, I found this shell a while ago and never had time to post anything about it.
It is 37mm, there's no doubt about it, however, above the driving bands it's much bigger than a usual 37mm, unfortunately I can't lay my hands on my caliper so I can't give proper dimensions. It has 2 French style copper driving bands, although they are much larger than those of the regular 37-85 (pictured alongside for reference). There's no markings whatsoever. I am not sure there is a noze fuze, it looks more like a plug. Total length is 155mm including the plug.

 

[MINENAZ16]

Hello,
General shape is typical of french navy 37mm (eras 20's/30's)
I'm quite sure the base was machined (I don't know why) because the diameter is smaller, no boat tail, and remnant of crimp groove.
Regards
For example :
Mle 25/39


Mle 24-39 :

 

[doppz92]

Hi Minen, it does look like the Mle 25/39 you posted (btw, on which case would it go?), and I agree, it looks like the base was machined, however, the base is exactly 37mm, and although I still can't find my caliper, the part of the projectile above the driving bands is well over 40mm. Could it be a 40mm shell, with the base machined down to fit a 37mm case, quite likely to serve as decoration of some sort? But I cannot find anything on a French 40mm gun pre WW2. Someone any thoughts?

 

[MINENAZ16]

I don't know 40mm with this shape, only 37mm and 47mm.

 

[MINENAZ16]

I will check at work for the case.
I have one but don't know the length.

 

[Tony Williams]

I will check at work for the case.
I have one but don't know the length.

It's 277 mm: http://quarryhs.co.uk/ammotable5.html

 

[MINENAZ16]

Yes it is, checked this morning, mine is 277mm.