Tank Bullet -- Nation of Origin??

[Alex000]

Would someone tell me how I can determine what country the bullet from a tank round is from? It measures 23cm long; bottom diameter 7.5cm; 15 lbs. Only marking is "2" on bottom. I'm trying to determine if it is German or American. Is something like this in any demand or worth anything??? Thanks

Alexander

[Dallas]

If it's WW2 German

WW2 shells are generally very well marked with waffenamt markings, year of manufacture, and often the 3 letter code identifyer. I doubt if all it has is a 2 that it's German.

[Alex000]

Thanks for the info!!! They stamped the bullet as well as the casing???

[Dallas]

Stampings

Casing stamps were on the bottom. You will also have markings denoting type on the fuze if present. Casings more than likely will have painted markings. Actual projectile may have waffenamts on the drive bands or underneath as well. Makers marks can be on the side and prestine projectiles will have painted info as well. Cheers!

[Alex000]

I looked the projectile over again and I still only see the "2" stamp, so this must not be German... Which is OK, but I am kinda disappointed, as this can't be worth much. Thanks again for your info on markings!

Alexander

[Don D.]

Since the primary purpose of the forum is to share knowledge you might want to post a pic or two so others can see and learn.
Don

[Matt L]

Hi Alexander,

Don is right- a picture would help us identify your round FAR more easily. In the mean time I have a few questions- does the projectile have a nose fuze or is there a threaded hole in the base? Is the reason you can only see a '2' on it because that's really all there is or because it's corroded or pitted? If it doesn't have a nose fuze, does it appear to have a multi-part tip- or is it simply pointed? How many driving bands does it have and are they copper or iron? Where is the '2' mark?

Just because that's the only mark doesn't mean it's not German. I have 2 German armor-piercing projectiles that have very minimal marking on them. In fact, on both the maker code is very faint (not well-stamped) and there is no visible Waffenamt mark. It's structure is more telling- thus the need for a picture.

Matt

[Alex000]

Photo

I hope this helps... German or ????? Anybody willing to comment (or PM me) on value??? THANKS for all of your help!!!

[Alex000]

Projectile

does the projectile have a nose fuze or is there a threaded hole in the base?

Hole in base, approx 13/14mm diameter, maybe 1.5 cm deep; NOT threaded.

Is the reason you can only see a '2' on it because that's really all there is or because it's corroded or pitted?

I don't think condition is an issue; it's only stamped "2"

If it doesn't have a nose fuze, does it appear to have a multi-part tip- or is it simply pointed?

There is clearly a tooling mark or seam where cone and cylinder meet =two-piece?

How many driving bands does it have and are they copper or iron?

I count 28, and appear copper, but I base that only on color.

Where is the '2' mark?

On the bottom, about 18mm from fuze hole.

[Matt L]

I've already told Alexander this, but for anyone else checking out this thread:


I'm leaning toward it not being German for several reasons-

1. German 7,5m armor-piercing shells (Pzgr.) were all either capped (APC) or had both a cap and a ballistic nose (APCBC)- to my knowledge, it was only very early 8,8cm Pzgr. 39 projectiles that were simply pointed like this one.

2. German Pzgr. all carried an explosive bursting charge- so the base would have a hollow deeper than 1.5cm and it would have a threaded end for the fuze and tracer- this one sounds like it only has a tracer cavity. The base fuze for 7,5cm Pzgr has a diameter of about 24mm too.

3. The driving band is much wider on this projectile than even that of the 7,5cm Pzgr. rot, which had the widest band of any German 7,5cm Pzgr.- most were rather a lot narrower.

Perhaps this is a Sherman's 75mm or 76mm AP shot- I'm not familliar with Allied ammunition though, so maybe someone who is could offer an opinion.

Given that the driving band on this projecitle has the rifling striations on it, it was fired- it's intact condition suggests maybe it was a test shot? It certainly struck something soft enough not to damage it.

Matt

[Alex000]

I'm leaning toward it not being German for several reasons-

THANKS for the information, Matt! Your comments were very helpful.


Alexander

[Zünder]

Looks like an American 76 mm/3 Inch M79 AP-T to me.

How wide is the drivingband ?

[Alex000]

2 More Photos -- Can you guys see these???

[Alex000]

Looks like an American 76 mm/3 Inch M79 AP-T to me.

How wide is the drivingband ?

Drive band = 1 3/8 inches or approx 22mm.




Alexander

[Dallas]

Excellent post Matt!

I agree. It didn't sound German from the beginning. The pics do help. I remember seeing some ordnance somewhere else that looked similar. It was an American 75 or 76'er. BTW: My Elefant tracks came in!