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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

18 pounder transport plug


ZIL

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I have in my possession what is described as an 18 pounder transport plug.i believe it fits a high explosive shell..the thread diameter of the plug being 50mm.The following are markings on the plug....verification or otherwise would be appreciated.Regards Zil

AE9F6E35-CF24-40F1-ACA1-354A5AB69ABE.jpeg

CAE525BF-51EF-4592-A418-AE18D048F298.jpeg

CF4E2046-7C51-4397-A1FD-9381D48C4564.jpeg

27AB6E40-9F76-4B15-95BB-AF6825D85897.jpeg

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Hello, Zil - Based upon size and weight, I consider these transport plugs to be for British shells larger than 18pdr field guns.  I have found them in what I thought was a 6-in or 8-in howitzer position.  If I'm wrong, I'm sure that other forum members will correct me.  Regards, Torrey

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Thanks Torrey,

I have an inert shrapnel shell and fuze. ..18lb...the thread size is bigger...I ‘thought’ a impact fuze for an 18 lb  had a 50mm thread but I stand corrected.This is  a new area to me..like you say...there are forum members with knowledge on this subject.Regards Zil

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It is a combination of a Plug, Fuze-Hole, Special, No.1 MkIII (made by Howard and Bullough Ltd, Accrington) in an Adapter, 2-inch Fuze-Hole, No.2 MkII (made by Evered and Co., Smethwick). 

 

The adapter enabled a fuze with tapered GS thread, such as a No.45, to be used in a shell with 2-inch fuze-hole thread.

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Thank you 14276265,

That is a most comprehensive reply...as I have said this is a new area to me...do you know of any diagrams/photographs showing this as you describe?

This has really intrigued me!!!!

regards Zil

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Thanks again 14276265,

After rereading your reply and examining the item....the resulting photo is self explanatory...for me discovery and understanding.But what calibre shells would this have fitted.

Regards Zil

E2A9CD92-86AF-417C-85AB-C095859917EE.jpeg

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The adapter was used in various HE, chemical, and smoke shell from 3.7-inch and 18-pr up to 12-inch. Most WWI era Land Service British shell were made with 2-inch gauge fuze holes, and HE shell could either take a graze fuze of the No.100 series of 2-inch gauge, or a direct action fuze such as the No.17 or No.44 of General Service 1-inch gauge with the adapter.

 

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Thanks once again 14276265,

Really appreciated ....I and I am sure others on the Forum now have a better understanding...indeed insight..into the complexity of such items.

It came apart so easily after all years.

regards Zil

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