What's new
British Ordnance Collectors Network

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Help and Advice Urgently Required

Status
Not open for further replies.
Hi Guys,
I really could do with some advice here.

I was out metal detecting today around a Luftwaffe Flak emplacement and I've dug up a 3.7cm Flak 18 shell.
Problem is its live.
I suspect I know the answer to this but is it safe to keep? The casing is totally intact, can still see the brass but the bullet is quite corroded.
The base clearly has the percussion cap intact.
I know I should probably take it to the coppers but I also know they will just blow it up whereas it is a lovely shell and I would like to keep it.
I was thinking of removing the bullet with a pair of mole grips and ......well I've not got the bottle to do it.

Serious advice please!!!!
 
Don't be foolish. report it to the authorities ASAP!!!


What he said. /|\

As its corroded and most likely very unstable .... you play with it and try to dislodge the projectile could set it off... most likely a fatal event.

DO NOT Play with it. Call the authorities to take care of it properly. Sometimes nice and pretty things cannot be saved and its not worth your life or anyone else's.
 
Hi Guys,
I really could do with some advice here.

I was out metal detecting today around a Luftwaffe Flak emplacement and I've dug up a 3.7cm Flak 18 shell.
Problem is its live.
I suspect I know the answer to this but is it safe to keep? The casing is totally intact, can still see the brass but the bullet is quite corroded.
The base clearly has the percussion cap intact.
I know I should probably take it to the coppers but I also know they will just blow it up whereas it is a lovely shell and I would like to keep it.
I was thinking of removing the bullet with a pair of mole grips and ......well I've not got the bottle to do it.

Serious advice please!!!!


Hello first of all Put the mole grips away dont even think of doing that Simply leave it as it where it is and call your local police immediately,when you call them explain what you have and they will arrange very likely for an eod team to remove and dispose of it properly.
They may as you say blow it up but its better they blow it up in a controlled manner instead of it blowing up on you
Please let us know the outcome
regards
Spotter (admin)
 
Hi Kanalinseln Heer,
You have done the right thing in asking for some advice and as you have mentioned you already know the answer to this question.
You need to call the relevant authority ie the Police who will arrange for the collection and safe disposal of the round, you will not be in any trouble for this and there is a system in place for dealing with incidents like this. As mentioned no lump of metal is worth serious injury or life.
Best regards Weasel.
 
post closed the correct good advice has been given,thank you everyone
original poster Kanalinseln Heer send me a private message to let me know the outcome so we can add it to this topic
allan
 
hello everyone i recieved a nice email last night from Kanalelsin Heer with an update

"Hi Allan,

Just to let you know that the police attended the beach opposite my house today where they examined the Flak round. They called out the local Royal Engineers unit who confirmed it was what I thought it was. They took it away to dispose of it safely on a range. Whilst they were'nt overly impressed that I had picked it up and then took it home (via Waitrose !!!!), nevertheless, they thanked me for reporting it.
Can you pass on my thanks to the guys on your forum for their non judgmental advice which to be fair really was common sense."

A good outcome by following good advice
Spotter
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top