WW I flare / smoke/ candle ??

[wilfried DR]

Does anybody has documentation on these items ? WW I - probably flares
2 models: A- total length 58 cm - body length 35 cm - diam 12 cm - thin metal body with wooden stick
B- total length 47 cm - body length 25 cm - diam 11 cm - thin metal body with wooden stick

 

[MINENAZ16]

Hello,

Lot of these were found on french (East) ww1 battelfields.
So, many are available for sale on the web.
No documentation but known as early improvised trench mortar HE projectiles.
Originally flled with 100gr cartridges of wartime explosive like "cheddite". Ignition with safety fuse.
Two sizes.

Regards

 

[wilfried DR]

Thanks, any idea how they were fired? artisanale trench mortar?

 

[MINENAZ16]

I assume improvised launcher.
As far as I know wood stick is 58mm diameter so maybe could be fired with early 58T trench mortar.

 

[sgdbdr]

Hi,


In Delhomme's book about grenades, he mentions something alike, "pétards de destruction pour barbelés" (petard to destroy barbed wire) and it seems they are thrown by hand. See pic.
a pull cord goes through the hollow handle.



Regards,

S.

 

[MINENAZ16]

Hi,


In Delhomme's book about grenades, he mentions something alike, "pétards de destruction pour barbelés" (petard to destroy barbed wire) and it seems they are thrown by hand. See pic.
a pull cord goes through the hollow handle.

View attachment 138478 View attachment 138479

Regards,

S.

pétard is different

 

[wilfried DR]

pétard is different

View attachment 138480

I agree, I don't think a petard is the same as the trench mortar. The trench mortar used to open barbed wire makes more sense to me.