Identify shell, please.

[John Cubin]

Last week, spotted this awaiting collection. I like to label my photos with "What, Where, When". Have the last two and would appreciate the "What". Diameter 4 inches, the central cup thing 2 inches. Height 12 inches (roughly). [Note to self: carry tape-measure!] Thin drive band. The dark material looks to me to be hardened resin, which suggests shrapnel.

Thanks,

John.

[calibre792x57.y]

Can't be absolutely sure but it looks like a German 10.5 cm light howitzer M.1905 universal shell. This has a cap of TNT over a load of shrapnel bullets set in amatol. Designed shower its contents over the immediate vicinity or explode depending upon what setting the fuze was given, combining HE and shrapnel roles. If so, it is still dangerous, much more so than British shrapnel shell. The nose has broken away and the camera is looking into the body showing the recess in the TNT and the central tube containing black powder pellets, leading to the burster charge at the base. Leave it strictly alone. - SW

[John Cubin]

Thanks for that, SW. Fearsome indeed. Concur with your advice. If possible, I take photos, otherwise don't touch.

John.