German, WW2 - 1941 Dated, 2cm FlaK 30/38 High Explosive Round, 20×138B “Long Solothurn”, eej, Aufschlagzünder 1504 Fuze, Inert

A completely inert and original German Second World War 2cm FlaK 30/38 High Explosive round, retaining wartime inspection markings, dated components and traces of original finish throughout. This is a very attractive example of the 20×138B cartridge, commonly known as the “Long Solothurn”, used with the famous 2cm FlaK 30 and FlaK 38 anti-aircraft guns. With matching 1941 dated components and multiple Heereswaffenamt acceptance marks, it represents a particularly interesting and well-marked wartime example.

The round is completely inert, hollow and free from all explosive or energetic materials. The projectile retains traces of its original yellow painted finish, now displaying natural age wear and oxidation from long-term storage. This colour coding is consistent with a Sprenggranate (High Explosive) loading intended primarily for anti-aircraft and lightly protected targets.

The projectile body is marked: "Wa34c 41" together with a Heereswaffenamt acceptance eagle. The alphanumeric Wa34c denotes a wartime inspection and acceptance designation applied during production, confirming military quality control and acceptance before issue.

The aluminium nose fuze is marked: "AZ 1504 – Wa – 1941 – 843" together with a framed Kastenstempel-style Heereswaffenamt acceptance stamp, appearing to read 64. This compact framed acceptance style was commonly employed on smaller aluminium components where conventional inspection punches could distort fine details. AZ 1504 identifies the fuze as an Aufschlagzünder 1504 (Impact / Percussion Fuze Model 1504) used on German 2cm high explosive ammunition. The 1941 date corresponds with the projectile and case manufacture, while 843 represents a production lot or batch designation. The style of acceptance stamp is consistent with wartime inspection practices used on precision fuze components.

The cartridge case headstamp reads: "eej – 41 – 27h" with additional Waffenamt inspection markings around the primer. The three-letter ordnance code eej identifies Märkisches Walzwerk GmbH, Strausberg, a wartime manufacturer of ammunition components and cartridge cases. The 41 confirms manufacture in 1941, while 27h represents a production or material lot designation.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 20.2cm. Base diameter: 2.2cm.

History Note:
The 20×138B “Long Solothurn” cartridge became one of Germany’s most important light autocannon ammunition types during the Second World War. Introduced for use with the 2cm FlaK 30, and later the improved FlaK 38, these weapons saw extensive service defending military formations, armoured units, naval vessels and strategic targets throughout the war. High explosive projectiles such as this were intended primarily for use against aircraft and soft targets, using blast and fragmentation effects rather than armour penetration.

*Condition*
Good untouched condition overall with extensive age patination and oxidation throughout. The projectile retains traces of original yellow paint with scattered losses and wear consistent with age and storage. The aluminium AZ 1504 fuze retains crisp, well-struck markings including its framed Kastenstempel acceptance punch. Markings remain visible and legible throughout including projectile, fuze and headstamp details. Completely inert. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

A desirable and very displayable original 1941-dated German FlaK round retaining wartime acceptance markings, dated components and original finish traces throughout.