*British, WW1, 18-Pounder High Explosive Shell with Dated No.80 Mk VII Time & Percussion Fuse, Inert*
A complete and entirely inert First World War British 18-pounder High Explosive shell, comprising an early-war No.3 pattern shell body fitted with a late-war No.80 Mk VII time-and-percussion fuse. The shell stands approximately 29 cm tall with a base diameter of 8 cm, and retains its original copper driving band, showing clear rifling marks from firing.
Body markings are limited but include two stamped groups that appear to read: “JE 7392” and “H63B”, the remainder being obscured by age and service wear.
The attached brass No.80 Mk VII fuze is a notably crisp example. All rings are readable and mechanically intact, including the full 0–22 second graduated timing ring. The outer flange is marked “No. 80 VII”, “WB&Co” (William Beardmore & Co.), the War Department broad arrow, inspector’s circular stamp, “LOT”, and the surviving date fragment “/18”. The inner maker’s ring carries the primary production information: “ECC” (Eley Cartridge Company – subcontractor for internal assemblies) “170” (Lot 170), “8/18” (August 1918 manufacture date)
The item is completely inert: empty shell body, fired driving band, and an inert fuse with no internal explosive elements.
Historical Note:
The British 18-pounder was the indispensable field gun of the British Expeditionary Force throughout the First World War. Firing shrapnel, smoke, and high-explosive rounds, it provided the bulk of the artillery fire from 1914 to 1918, supporting every major engagement from the Marne to the final Hundred Days.
Shell-body markings varied widely depending on manufacturer, subcontractor, and inspection regime. Many bodies were re-stamped, refurbished, or reissued multiple times. Surviving examples often show only partial markings, especially fired examples like this, which typically suffered erosion from soil and post-war recovery.
The No.80 Mk VII fuze, dated August 1918, represents one of the later-war refinements of Britain’s principal time-and-percussion fuze system, capable of both airburst and impact detonation.
*Condition*
Shell body in stable relic-to-good display condition with even surface pitting and clear rifling on the driving band. Markings limited but legible where present: JE 7392 and H63B. Fuze complete with all markings: WB&Co, ECC, 170, 8/18, broad arrow, inspector’s stamp, and legible timing increments. Entire item is inert. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMEHXADO_1222220001
