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WWI Bullet ID?

4K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  gdmoody 
#1 ·
Can anybody help identify the iron bullet pictured. What war is it from and what is it worth? Appears to be about 75 mm in diameter, 14.5 lbs, and I'm guessing WWI?

Knife
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#3 ·
Sure hope it's safe. Anyone who knows military history--I need your help!!! Please!
It was apparently brought back from the war and passed down as a souvenir to a friend of mine. They used it as a door-stop for years! Appears to be solid iron, but you can see the rifling grooves cut into the copper ring around the base. Same diameter as a Sherman tank bullet--but I think it's something else. Artillery or Navy? Would love to know what it is? Finds like this are rare.
 
#4 ·
Whatever you do don't wack it with a hammer to see if it sounds solid or hollow.

Interesting piece you have there. Good luck with your ID'ing the monster.
 
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#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
I agree, there's no detonation cap on the nose and no fuse screwed into the base. Appears to be just one solid piece of iron with a copper ring. Looks too primitive for WWII--probably older?

Might be a M79 AP projectile as utilized in the Sherman's 76m M1 Gun.
It didn't seem to match pictures of Sherman tank bullets I've seen--which had a concave base. But, maybe an early design? Thank you for the info.
 
#15 ·
I have a 106mm Recoilless Rifle projectile in my garage that was given to me back around 1972. A friend who worked at the place that made them gave it to me. Just for gits and shiggles, I will post a picture of it in a few minutes.

I also have what I believe is a 20mm projectile. I don't know any thing about it really. I lady I worked with at the Post Office gave it to me along with a few other cartridges just because I was the only"gun guy" she knew! I will take a picture of it too.
 
#16 ·
I contacted an arms/military appraiser from "Antiques Road Show." He says this probably is a WW1 artillery round--most likely fired from an American 3 inch (76 mm) howitzer--although it could possibly be French. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-inch_M1902_field_gun That seems to be the best lead so far. Please share if you find out more and thanks again for your guys' input.
 
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