JULY 1917 No.101 fuze...

[starshell]

Good morning,

This British 101 fuze is one of many I have but is the only one which has the date month actually written in whole rather than a numerical description (JULY 1917). Also the only piece I have with LOT 90, rather than just a lot No.
I've never encountered this on a British fuze before, and wondered whether this was common generally or whether it was down to contractors using their own method of dating pieces or perhaps a late war amendment, etc, ?
Also, would anyone happen to know what the stamp M.S means? Perhaps the manufacturer?
-----
GH

Many thanks in advance!
Cheers.

 

[Snufkin]

From time to time the word for the month was used on fuzes, cartridge case head stamps, hand grenade base plugs, and rifle grenade body plugs.

MS/GH is the manufacturer Marshall, Sons and Co., Gainsborough. An extract of their 1917 contracts is attached.

Also shown is a No.101 reworked to No.103. The fuze made by J L Mott, USA and reworked by Piston Rings, Birmingham, UK - the MARCH 1917 date seems to be from the US maker.


.

 

[starshell]

Many thanks Snufkin,
Excellent info, and always nice to know a bit about its past, in particular the manufacturers details.
Thanks again.