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3pr 'Target' marked projectile.

Burney Davis

Moderator
Premium Member
I have attached a picture of a 3pr projectile made by BSC (Bethlehem Steel Co) and dated 1915. I am guessing that the 'Target' is referencing Target Practice. I have never seen the word appears before on a WW1 projectile. Is this common on American made ordnance in WW1? It came with an original plug. TIA

20210918_153444.jpg20210918_153546.jpg
 
The 37mm types are marked T MkV the T meaning Target, but the full word is new to me. It might imply that the projectile
does not have a hardened tip.This is useful pre assembly but lost once in the casing so there must be a further indicator that it's
a non combat projectile/round. Are there any traces of paint colour on it ? It may have had a red band near the tip ? if I recall red is the
U.S.N. practice colour ~ (White tip if tracer fitted.) Maybe limited orders (few/none ? in collections so not many lots made, or lots of them and pretty much used up so none left for us!) for this so extra trouble taken ?
 
Hello,
Can't really help but I saw marking "TARGET" on old ordnance
-ww1 UK 18pr Target smoke wp (nothing to see with your shell)
-US 3in Target Practice

3in TP
3in shell.jpg3IN tp.jpg3in TP 2.jpg
 
Following further research and using David Ibbetson's excellent Volume 3 on QF Ammunition I can confirm this is a "Shell,Q.F. Steel 3 Pr, Bethlehem, Mk I" converted for use for Target Practice. Always nice to put an old thread to bed!
 
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