WWII Experimental? Pre-engraved 37mm and others.

[Dr_Rambow]

Hello!

I have not posted much here but have used this place as a reference often enough, so thank you! I am doing some spring cleaning in the collection (I mostly collect WWI) so I was doing research on some of my projectiles that I may sell. I was able to find some really interesting information on the 37mm pre-engraved projectile that I have, but I don't know much else about the others.

Pictured are the PE 37mm, 20mm cases necked down to .50 with odd ferrous projectiles with a matte aluminum looking finished. These are pictured with a .60 cal projectile and an unknown polished steel .50 with a copper driving band. I have pictured the headstamps of the 20mm/.50 cases.

Let me know what you think!

 

[SG500]

Hi there, very nice rounds.
There is some info on the 37mm here.
Dave.
http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/threads/77328-37mm-pre-engraved-rounds?highlight=pre+engraved

 

[Dr_Rambow]

Thank you!

Yes, I looked through that one. Some really interesting information in there.

 

[kahu1]

Nice rounds , haven't seen the .50HV with those extra headstamp markings before, would they be to denote experimental(!) loadings?
Could the ferrous projectiles be for de-coppering or just a different style of manufacture?

cheers
Bob

 

[Dr_Rambow]

Your guess is as good as mine. All of these projectiles came with necked down 20mm cases (well, I have two extra projectiles).

 

[kahu1]

There is mention in the 'History of Modern U.S. Military Small Arms Ammunition Vol. II' under the .50HV section of artillery style projectiles made of 'soft steel' with copper rotating bands or pre engraved.These could be another variant or possibly prior to having the rotating band fitted.the band would have been about 12mm from the base.

 

[Dr_Rambow]

Well I can tell you that these grey projectiles are pretty well fitted to the cases (projectile is 0.512 at widest), so I don't think they would have had any additional parts that needed to be added. Perhaps this explains the .50 with the copper driving band though.

 

[bdgreen]

Some info here on .60 Cal. and .50-110mm HV (20mm - .50 HV): http://iaaforum.org/forum3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=8139&start=0
http://www.cartrology.com/browse-ammunition.php?Caliber=.60&ProjoType=&Country=

 

[Dr_Rambow]

I forgot to mention that these were all procured about two miles from Frankford Arsenal, across the river in NJ.

It seems that someone who worked there took home a few souvenirs.

 

[Dr_Rambow]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the value of things like this? I wouldn't even know where to start if I had to make an offer on another one.