Odd finds from Victorian farm
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Odd finds from Victorian farm
Have been doing metal detecting survey on a farm recently & though I don't expect to find much as it is not near anything exciting, I am keen to identify as much as possible for the reserve warden.
I have found these 3 iron items that I would like to have an i.d for if possible please.
No. 1 - bullet like item which is just one of 4 similar items found in different fields. Each have an open end that it was likely attached to something as unlikely to be a bullet.
No.2 - doesn't appear to be threaded but the hole at the top does not go all the way through. However, there is a similar hole on the reverse side but not in the same position (offset by approx 2mm)
No. 3 - no idea
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. David
I have found these 3 iron items that I would like to have an i.d for if possible please.
No. 1 - bullet like item which is just one of 4 similar items found in different fields. Each have an open end that it was likely attached to something as unlikely to be a bullet.
No.2 - doesn't appear to be threaded but the hole at the top does not go all the way through. However, there is a similar hole on the reverse side but not in the same position (offset by approx 2mm)
No. 3 - no idea
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. David
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I would say that these items are hedge fodder!!
But some expert may correct me.
It just seems ok like they are parts of plough and other machinery!!
![ThumbsDown [84/]](./images/smilies/84_EmoticonsHDcom.png)
But some expert may correct me.
It just seems ok like they are parts of plough and other machinery!!
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minelab 340 vanqish
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- MilitaryMetalMagnut
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Number 1 is a .303 Tracer round, in particular, a mid to late war (1943-45) MkII Tracer. It is a mid-war example as it has a steel outer jacket that would have been copper plated, known as a GMCS (Guilded Metal Clad Steel) projectile. This was a mid-war design change in an effort to conserve non-ferrous materials. It’s essentially the same steel/copper construction as the modern naff 1p/2p coins. 
Inside the projectile is a copper canister containing the flammable Tracer compound, which when ignited at the moment of firing, produces a bright flame from the base of the projectile. This flame allows the projectile to be ‘traced’ as it travels down range, up to around 8/900 yards.
Best regards,
Simon

Inside the projectile is a copper canister containing the flammable Tracer compound, which when ignited at the moment of firing, produces a bright flame from the base of the projectile. This flame allows the projectile to be ‘traced’ as it travels down range, up to around 8/900 yards.

Best regards,
Simon
18 years experience of collecting, researching military ordnance and weaponry!
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No 2 is the pin from a sprung lynch pin minus the circular spring part that always catches your fingers when attaching an implement to the arms on a tractor.
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- MilitaryMetalMagnut
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Further to my previous post, these are some .303 ammunition cutaways that I made myself, for comparison to your find. Left to right; MkVII ‘Ball’ (standard round), MkII Tracer, MkI Armour Piercing, Mk10 Drill (Dummy) and MkV Blank.
Also, a close-up of the Tracer, along with the Ball and AP rounds. You can see the copper canister inside the Tracer projectile (middle) containing the flammable compound. The container is sealed inside by a brass washer in the base, which is crimped into place by rolling the edges of the outer jacket.
Best regards,
Simon
Also, a close-up of the Tracer, along with the Ball and AP rounds. You can see the copper canister inside the Tracer projectile (middle) containing the flammable compound. The container is sealed inside by a brass washer in the base, which is crimped into place by rolling the edges of the outer jacket.

Best regards,
Simon
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18 years experience of collecting, researching military ordnance and weaponry!
- MilitaryMetalMagnut
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It takes a fair bit of work! Initially, I mark on the outside of the cartridge case with a felt pen the rough halfway point (making sure the two 'flash' holes just in front of the primer are inline with what will be the finished cut!), then I make the initial cut with a cutting wheel on a Dremel tool. Then, neaten up with a rotary sanding wheel on the Dremel, and finally a lot of hand rubbing on P60 sandpaper on a flat surface. I mark out the cut on the projectile, and cut and sand the same way as the cartridge case, and once both parts are almost to the halfway line, I epoxy them together. Once set, it's a lot more hand sanding with finer and finer papers until the cut surface reaches halfway. Then I glue in the Cordite strands and spray the whole thing with clear lacquer to prevent tarnishing. It takes about 3 days to finish each cutaway, and the photos really don't do them justice. lol.Sven@1970 wrote: Sat Oct 12, 2024 7:03 pm What equipment is used to make these really interesting cutawais? Thanks

Best regards,
Simon
18 years experience of collecting, researching military ordnance and weaponry!
Thanks so much for the comprehensive reply Simon that is super helpful. I know none of things have any great value but I'm doing this to help build a timeline of activities on this site & from 1800 onwards so any info is great.
Your reply does fit nicely with some assumptions of what might have been going on there during WW2 & the couple of .303 cartridges I have found elsewhere on site.
David
Your reply does fit nicely with some assumptions of what might have been going on there during WW2 & the couple of .303 cartridges I have found elsewhere on site.
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David
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I think that the curved piece - item 3 - may be from a mole (scissor) trap.
e.g.https://www.vintagetraps.co.uk/?attachment_id=3558
e.g.https://www.vintagetraps.co.uk/?attachment_id=3558
- MilitaryMetalMagnut
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Super! No problem, happy to help.DXBrown wrote: Sun Oct 13, 2024 3:53 pm Thanks so much for the comprehensive reply Simon that is super helpful. I know none of things have any great value but I'm doing this to help build a timeline of activities on this site & from 1800 onwards so any info is great.
Your reply does fit nicely with some assumptions of what might have been going on there during WW2 & the couple of .303 cartridges I have found elsewhere on site.
![]()
David


Best regards,
Simon
18 years experience of collecting, researching military ordnance and weaponry!
Sorry for slow reply - but who would have thought someone could identify that bit of metal as part of a mole trap ! Amazing
thank you so much
David
thank you so much
David
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