WW1 .303 Launching Blank ?

[siegfreid]

Truncated .303 blank [1.6"] with head stamp of E.17 VII attached to a small brass disc with 4 claws . I would imagine a discharge cartridge for something . Any clues appreciated . Thanks !

 

[spotter]

Think its for a 6inch newton trench mortar,,ive not seen the cap before so assume its a type of safety cover

 

[smle2009]

I agree with Spotter,but never seen the cap also,are you sure it is part and parcel of this blank mate?

Cheers
Tony

 

[siegfreid]

Tony . 100% certain . The disc has a pin in the middle that would strike the cap on the blank . It's a bit like those metal brackets covering the carts. on some 3" mortars . Mike

 

[spotter]

nice find Mike heres one thats gone pop,pulled out of a 6inch trench mortar

 

[TonyE]

As Spotter says, it is the initiator for the 6 inch trench mortar bomb, not the discharger cartridge.

Regards
TonyE