unknown brass component - proof residue

[pedro]

any ideas on this bit f brass and ferrous waste. Located in a waste disposal pit at a former Inspection and proof facility it is brass ~35mm dia with a straight slot in the face with a small central hole. the other end has some ferrous content (unidentified). Other items in the waste pit include 40mmbofors projo, 25pr projo, 36m gren, 3in mor, 8 1/2 lb aerialprac, fz no115, 20mm projo, fuze nose cones and fz covers (probably No390 or 221). Ammo Insp and Proof coy did in service proof and testing of fuzes and primers mostly from arty, mor, mines, grenades etc.

 

[pedro]

Ok, going out on a limb here. The object gives the appearance of a the adapter uses to attached Gaine No2 MkIIV (1/25sec delay) which was used with Fz Graze 106E. In AS service used in the 6in Gun and perhaps the 4.5in HOW
A gaine is used to convert an igniferous fuze into a detonating fuze.
In the main picture we are looking, not at a screwdriver slot but, at the groove for the slider (centrifugal pin and spring loaded weight on a straight cross-axis Type 'M' in the pic...ture. The adapter being what you have and the Gaine (magazine with detonator and CE pellet) which screwed into the other end. The whole assembly screws into the base of the fuze.
These fuzes were subject to proof to ensure the fuze detonated the Gaine.
Factors leading to the conclusion:
a. Brass - almost exclusive to UK fuzes of the period. In particular this is made of low Pb brass.
b. Location - found at 3AIPS
c. Condition - fired
d. matching set scfrew holes
e. References - see pics below. Also RAOS Part 2 Pam 5 1933 Sect 2 and AAOC School Lecture Notes No 12 Fuzes Part 1

 

[TimG]

Pedro,

Have you any dimensions? As I might have one to check against.

TimG

 

[pedro]

TimG,
Only the hole in the slot is about 2mm dia, which makes the slot about 1/8in wide in the old money.
The object is with a mate doing clearance work in Melbourne (Aust)
P