WWI contract

[smle2009]

Hi,
Picked this up a little while ago, 8mm Lebel round made by Western for contract to the french during WWI, this one was made in Febuary 1916, do not know if they are scarce or common but I have only come across two during my time's spent at Hooge.
So a little bit of good old U.S.of A was in the trenches before the doughboys got there! anyone know when this contract started & volume of it?
Tony

 

[TonyE]

Contract 8mm Lebel

It is a relatively common round. I am not sure when the French contract started but it was probably in late 1915.

In addition to Western, Remington were also making 8mm Lebel, as were their subsidiary Robin Hood Ammunition Co. Remington also made proof ammo (blackened case) for the rifles and carbines they were also making for the French.

In the UK Greenwood & Batley, Kings Norton, Birmingham MM Co. and Aerators were all making Lebel ammo. Most of this was on French contract, but some was also for the U.S. Government for use in the 8mm Chauchat LMGs they were using.

Aparently the US Government purchased 365 million rounds of 8mm Lebel, of which 267.7 million were made in the U.S.

In fact, everyone got in on the act. I even have 8mm Lebel made by Polte in Germany for use in captured weapons!

Regards
TonyE

 

[smle2009]

8mm

Hi TonyE,
The 8mm made by polte,would that be the same 8mm that turns up with waffenampt headstamp,made in Austria I think?
Also do you have a M82 blank? they are used by us,for what I dont know! If not, you do now!
cheers Tony

 

[TonyE]

8mm

The 8x 50R Lebel and the 8 x 50R Mannlicher are two different rounds. Confusing I know, but the Lebel has a far more tapered case.

I have BOTH rounds made by Polte in WWI. The wood bullet Mannlicher which I posted recently and an 8mm Lebel.(Also a 7.62 x 54mm Russian)

The rounds which turn up with the Waffenamt are 8 x 56R Manlicher.

Re: the M82, I was not aware of any British use but I suppose it is quite plausible given the number of different 7.62mm blanks that have been in service over the years. Thanks.

Regards
TonyE

 

[smle2009]

M82

Hi TonyE,
Not 7.62mm! much more intresting! think we use them in tanks? I have taken one to bits,it has a theaded insert containing what looks like very course black powder,under that there is a "anvil" & true percussion cap/fire hole, the cap you see in the head is part of the anvil, & spring, suppose M numbers are as confusing as our L numbers,always come back as 7.62mm when serching for M82!
Regards Tony

 

[TonyE]

M82

Definitely an igniter, but I do not think it is for the Challenger tank gun. Could be for one of the big tracked 155mms.

The example you show is actually made in the Netherlands by Eurometall (EMZ)

regards
TonyE

 

[TonyE]

M82

I googled "M82 Igniter" and I was correct. It is the percussion igniter for the U.S. 155mm howitzer. The charge is 21 grns. of black powder.

Not sure what we call the 155mm in British service.

Regards
TonyE

 

[domi]

excuse me to go up this old post, but I would like to know a little more concerning the English contracts for the 8mm Lebel. TonyE, you quote Kings Norton among the manufacturer, but I have never seen or heard of cases Kings Norton in 8mm Lebel, therefore what is exactly? Did they only load elements from others manufacturer?

Thanks in advance
Domi