Graham Stewart Posted 21 January , 2015 Share Posted 21 January , 2015 Please could any of our arms experts possibly identify the attached shell images? It's believed to be French and if possible could you provide an image of the actual gun which would fire it - many thanks. Graham. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peregrinvs Posted 21 January , 2015 Share Posted 21 January , 2015 A 37mm Hotchkiss round. Fired by such guns as the French 5 barrel revolving cannon and the British Maxim 1 Pounder 'pom-pom' autocannon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_gun http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_1-pounder_pom-pom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogilwy Posted 22 January , 2015 Share Posted 22 January , 2015 Don't forget the Germans used the 37mm as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyH Posted 22 January , 2015 Share Posted 22 January , 2015 Graham, The headstock markings indicate that your shell was made by:- Pinchards Denys Paris (PD.Ps). 37mm the calibre, 85 for 1885 the date of introduction of this type, 230 the batch number and 1.18 the date. As the op's say a Hotchkiss round. I have 2 of these dated Feb 1916, but without the 'trench art' embossing. Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Stewart Posted 22 January , 2015 Author Share Posted 22 January , 2015 Very many thanks to all for your outstanding replies - spent most of my life in the armed forces, but weapons and munitions just weren't my thing - just so pleased to know that guys & gals out there really know there stuff and can help out. Once again very many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc2 Posted 23 January , 2015 Share Posted 23 January , 2015 But why does it have the US "flaming bomb" ordnance marking? I can't believe that the US took the time in theatre to mark all the shells we were getting from the French..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Bailey Posted 23 January , 2015 Share Posted 23 January , 2015 I think you'll find the French used the Flaming Grenade before the USA did. The 37mm shell was a very popular souvenir as it was so portable. I have bought dozens over the years in France but I have left two of them on the market stalls where I found them. Both were fully live and filled. You get to know the weight of these things and I immediately knew these two were still filled and the primers were intact. Buyer beware. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc2 Posted 29 January , 2015 Share Posted 29 January , 2015 Thanks, gunner. I was unaware of that usage. Live and learn! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now