Unknown "75mm" shrapnel shell nose & "beehive" fuze

#1

I recently acquired this shrapnel shell ogive and fuze, but can’t identify it. It does not appear in any documentation on French ordnance that I have looked at.

The ogive is unusual as it has an internal thread, meaning that the top of the shell had an external thread. The ogive diameter is just over 75mm so it may have been fitted to a 75mm shell or even slightly larger calibre.

The fuze appears to be of a 25/38 type and has no markings, but is graduated to 25 seconds unlike the French variant that only goes to 22 seconds.

It has been suggested that perhaps this was made for export as it is unlike and standard French shrapnel shells.

I would be grateful for identification of the shell and country for this nose and also correct designation for the fuze.

Thanks, Graeme

#2

Sorry, this is my first post and I haven’t worked out how to add photos yet. There doesn’t appear to be any options to add them.

#3

Here is an example of one way to upload photos:

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Here is another way to upload a photo:

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#4

Thanks for the photo upload tips, here they are:
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#5

I’ve been told that the fuze could very well be American. Unfortunately no markings on it at all.
Given that the fuze appears original to the ogive, if this is the case then it’s likely an American shell.

Does anyone have any documentation on WW1 American ordnance to check?
Thanks

#6

GraemeD,

I checked all of the PDF copies I have of books pertaining to U.S. WW1 period artillery ammunition and none of them mention let alone show a diagram or photo of a U.S. made version of the French style of fuze you show. But all that proves is that none of those sources covered the subject. Hopefully something will show up.

Brian

#7

Thanks Brian.

“US-Subs” on the British ordnance forum said that the U.S. may have copied, or made under license, the French beehive style fuze until their own production got going in WW1. However the only U.S. 75mm shrapnel I have seen uses an adapter and the M1907 Scovill T & P powder fuze.

Regards, Graeme

#8

Must be very rare if it can’t be identified?