Old shell found - help needed to identify

[raveyd]

Can anyone help identify a shell I found.


Pics below:





It appears to have VSM stamped on the side of the shell too. I've found out that the VSM stands for Vickers, Son & Maxim.

[P-11 shooter]

Welcome to the forum.

I know maxim made a popular machine gun. But I don't know what caliber it is.

Time to hit the google.

[ShakeyDad]

Here's a pic. of the maxim machine gun circa 1895

[P-11 shooter]

It seems MVS made all sorts of stuff during the war, from machine guns, to submarines, to big 15 inch guns on battleships.

The closest thing I have found so far that was fired from a maxim is the .577/450 Martini-Henry cartrige. (the two tn the middle) but the necks look too long. I'll keep looking to see what I can find

[raveyd]

There is a hole at the top of the shell, presumably for a fuse??

[ShakeyDad]

Here's a couple of the 15 inch guns they made.

[normanvin]

Welcome to the forum

[Warners Surplus]

could you measure the business end? It appears to be a round for the 1.5 inch (70 cal) hotchkiss revolving cannon.




Rich W.

[raveyd]

The shell tip measures 7/8ths inch and approx 1.5 inch at it's widest point

[PA Rifleman]

could you measure the business end? It appears to be a round for the 1.5 inch (70 cal) hotchkiss revolving cannon.

Rich W.

More like 40mm, which is about 158 caliber. VSM is Vicker, Son & Maxim making this British, probably a Vickers 1 1/2 pounder. 37x123R is a possibility. You'll need to get a few accurate measurements to make a positive ID. Shell length to 1mm, same for projectile diameter. Base diameter & rim thickness would be a plus, too.

Take a look at http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/MilRel.htm Scroll down to "Group 16" and click on the photo link.