Fuze for WW1 US 75mm HE...

[staples57]

I recently picked up a WW1 US 75mm artillery round that was once part of the "Victory Lamp".
The round is unfired and other than a small threaded hole on the bottom of the round (the lamp modification) and the following engravings, the round in in fantastic shape.
"Victory Nov. 11, 1918 75M/M Shell"
"they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."

I'll post photos later today.

Since this is an original, WW1 US 75mm HE round, I'd like to restore it.
What are the chances of finding the correct fuze for this artillery round?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Darkman]

I bought a US WW1 75mm projectile that had been converted to a lamp. The fuze was present but drilled for a light bulb socket. I purchased a battle field recovered WW1 French 75mm fuze in reasonable condition cheaply on eBay. They look identical but unfortunately the threads are different, so they are not compatible. Therefore make sure you obtain the correct US fuze (PD No. 5 - I think is the designation) rather than the French 24/31 Mle. 1899-08 fuze.

Cheers,

Graeme

 

[staples57]

Thanks Darkman, good to know.

 

[staples57]

And finally, the photo...

 

[bacarnal]

You'll also need the booster adapter that the Mk V fuze sits in. I have a couple of adapters but they are currently in relic condition and wouldn't go well with a fine round. Hope you can find a good one. Cheers, Bruce.

 

[staples57]

Gents,

Would a Scovill M1907 fuze be correct for this round?

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Darkman]

No. A M1907 Scovill is nothing like the correct fuse. I will post a photo of the correct fuse tonight when I get home from work.

 

[staples57]

Thanks Darkman, much appreciated!

 

[Darkman]

Sorry I should have said the M1907 Scovill is not correct for the HE shell. It was used on the shrapnel shell I believe.

I didn't get a chance to photograph my shell and fuse last night, but thanks to the passioncompassion website (a member on this forum) I can show you what the correct fuse looks like. The photos are of the French 24/31 mle 1899-1908 fuse, but the US version - Mk V PD fuse is virtually identical.

What is not shown is the steel fuse socket adapter/reducer that is also missing from your shell. This I will have to photograph as I can't find a reference photo on-line.

My previous advice that the threads on the French and US versions not being compatible is not quite correct. The course external thread at the top of the brass fuse (that screws into the steel adapter) is identical on both versions. It is only the detonator chamber thread at the bottom that is different. This is good news as that means you may be able to obtain a French relic fuse (sometimes seen on eBay UK) as a substitute. Unfortunately the steel nose cap on these is generally heavily corroded, but the brass sections are intact.

Regards,

Graeme

 

[Darkman]

Brad,

Here are a few shots of my US 75mm HE shell and in particular the steel fuse socket. Notice that the socket also has a larger diameter internal thread at the bottom for the booster (gaine) to screw into.

There are some relic French 75mm HE fuses for sale at the moment on Specialist Auctions if you are interested: http://www.specialistauctions.com/auctiondetails.php?id=1574587

Regards,

Graeme