I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THIS SHELL IS,THANKS

Des from down under · Jul 30, 2009

HI THERE,WOULD ANY ONE BE ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT THEY THINK THIS SHELL IS !! IT IS 11 AND A HALF INCHES LONG AND 3 AND A HALF INCHES AT THE BASE, WEIGHT IS ABOUT 24LB, HAS A THREADED OPENING AT THE FRONT,I DID NOT DIG IT AND HAVE NO HISTORY ABOUT IT! THANKS IN ANTISIPATION .Des from down under!

Silver Searcher · Jul 30, 2009

can't help you with the shell $:-\$ but welcome to T net :hello2:

Goodyguy · Jul 30, 2009

Similar to this one used in chemical warfare to disperse mustard gas or smoke.
Fired from 105mm or 155mm Howitzer.

SomeGuy · Jul 30, 2009

Kinda looks like a German 88 FLAK (without the fuze), but it doesn't belong in New Zealand

Perhaps a U.S. 90mm AA gun. (can't find a picture)

Montana Jim · Jul 30, 2009

I agree it's an artillery / mortar shell casing, but no idea who made it.

tabdog · Jul 30, 2009

I was unable to find the exact round.
The age of the metal looks about WW I.

Here is another photo of some old rounds.

The threads are for a fuse timer,

Here are some fuse timers I found at a WW I training camp.

The intact ones of this model are very rare and sell for about $100.

It is easier to find the shell and round than it is to find a fuse timer intact.

Happy Huntin,

Tabdog

trikikiwi · Jul 30, 2009

Hi Des, Welcome to TreasureNet :icon_thumleft:

(from Papakura

)
I can't help with the shell but keen to learn more about the bullets sitting on it!!

Cheers, Mike

sasnz · Jul 31, 2009

Hi des

Good to see another Kiwi on here. I see you are new to this site, it is an absolute wealth of knowledge for any questions you may have. Firstly the shell you have looks very similar to a german 88mm round i used to have. Do you have any history on this at all. I cant imagine that it was found in new zealand although i believe it was dug from somewhere. your item is missing compression bands tho.

The bullets are interesting me, where did you find these. Compare them to the pictures supplied. if they are the same then what you have found are bullets from a British MK1 enfield riflle used by the New Zealand constablary forces around the time of the early wars. The ones I have found have a number in the hollow of the bullet.

Anyway keep in touch and feel free to explore this very helpful site.