Can someone identify this shell casing?

[hubsonfire]

Someone on another forum has requested help identifying a shell casing, purchased at an antique shop in France, supposedly dating to WWII. Casing is marked with "1942", but I'm not sure if there are any other markings that would be of use. Anyone recognize it?

[uberslet]

if i did my math right it should be roughly 34 mm.....i know, not much help, but done the math for people so its one less thing to do 

[E25280]

if i did my math right it should be roughly 34 mm.....i know, not much help, but done the math for people so its one less thing to do 

More likely 37mm, which was a fairly common size for early WWII. The German 37mm Pak 35/36 was their standard AT gun, both towed and on the PzkwIIIs and Pzkw38s.  The US used guns of the same caliber.  There were also 37mm AA guns in use IIRC by just about everyone.

Have you tried Tony Williams' site?

[hubsonfire]

Yeah, and I thought I had a match in a 37mm, but the rim is different. Some of the pics are really unclear (distorted scans, it appears), and trying to match a shell without exact dimensions, and without listed dimensions is difficult. I figured the volume of AA rounds fired would be much higher, and it would be the most common casing, but that's not necessarily a good assumption. The proportions of the neck are similar to other 37mm rounds, but again, the rims are entirely different, at least compared to what I've seen so far. Still looking- there's an awful lot of information to dig through.

[715]

I measure 37.1 mm, so obviously it's 37mm.

[Widewing]

What if any identifying markings are on the base of the shell, beyond the date?


My regards,

Widewing

[E25280]

The shell at this auction site looks very similar.  He identifies it as an M3 AT gun shell case (US 37mm).

http://www.specialistauctions.com/auctiondetails.php?id=1141283

Of course, that doesn't mean he knows what he is talking about, does it? 

[hubsonfire]

That sure looks like this guy's casing. I'll see if he can get a pic or description of any additional markings.

[1pLUs44]

Take a pic of it from about 5 feet away. See what it looks like.


76mm shell is about 1.5-2 feet tall if that helps any.




Edit: They're mine.

[Furball]

US 37mm M16 APCBC? (37x233)

http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/tankammo.html

[Cthulhu]

(Image removed from quote.)

US 37mm M16 APCBC? (37x233)

http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/tankammo.html

By Jove, I think he's got it.

[Masherbrum]

I believe Furry has it pegged.   Were these used in M3 Grants?   

[Tony Williams]

I believe Furry has it pegged.   Were these used in M3 Grants?   

Yes. It was the standard cartridge used in all US 37mm tank, armoured car and anti-tank guns (aircraft and anti-aircraft guns used different ammo). It was available with various AP, HE and canister (shot) projectiles.

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website

[hubsonfire]

Excellent, he said the bottom is fairly beat up, but that he could make out what he thought was "M16" on it. Thanks guys.