WW1 70mm Shrapnel Shell, Any Ideas?

[Spitace41]

Hi all. I was recently given this shell by a relative who picked it up when visiting the WW1 battlefields many years ago, it has sat in his shed ever since. I am now wondering what it actually is. Caliber is 70mm and it stands 9 inches tall. There is a hole near the mouth which at first I thought was due to rust but appears to be more man made? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

 

[MINENAZ16]

Hello,

It's an empty fired french 75mm Schrapnel 1897 (base charge).

Regards

 

[Spitace41]

Hi. I thought it could be that at first, but it measures only 70mm across ar the base? Cheers.

 

[MINENAZ16]

Hello,
First, a 75mm shell (like all shells) has a smaller diameter at the base.
Second, yours is very rusty and in bad condition, so the diameter is smaller as a new one.
So 70mm at the base could be possible.

Regards.

 

[Spitace41]

Ok, I see now. Learning all the time, thanks for the info.