Fig. 1

The following details are arranged in the sequence in which the markings are usually found.

Designation of Gun, i.e. calibre, type and model of the equipment for which the round is suitable.

Where a round is suitable for more than one equipment the designations are stencilled is sequence.

When the equipment is of foreign origin a small letter in brackets, e.g. (t) for Czech, (p) for Polish, etc., is added to the designation, normally after the model number.

Actual weight of propellant in grams, e.g. "164 g" or if the weight is over 1,000 grams it is usually indicated in Kilograms e.g. "1,225 kg".

Nature. This is given in the form of a code which is an abbrevation of the Ger-man description of the composition; for example "Ngl or NG" is the abbrevation being a double base propellant of nitroglycerine and nitrocellulose. These let-ters, in the case of double base propellant, are followed by figures or letters which appear to relate to the composition calorific value and percentage of po-tassium sulphate incorporated.

Shape. This is given in abbreviated form followed by the letter P, which is the initial letter of Pulver (Powder). e.g. Bl.P. = Blättchenpulver, meaning Rectan-gular flakes.

The size of the propellant is given by a statement of the dimensions in millime-ters following the letters used to indicate the shape. The dimension figures are enclosed in a bracket and are arranged as follows with commas serving as de-cimal points, and full stops or crosses (x) separating the individual figures.

(length with minus tolerance, external diameter, internal diame-ter), e.g. (175-2, 2/0,85).

The following are typical examples of the complete markings used to indiacte the nature, shape and size:–

"Digl.R.P. - 8,2 - (175 · 2,2/0,85)"

"Gu.Bl.P. - AO - (4 · 4 · 0,6)"

"Ngl.Bl.P. - 12,5 - (40 x 40 x 0,2)"

"Nz.R.P. (135 · 5,5/2)"

"Digl.Str.P. - 9,2 - (125 x 5 x 0,5)"

Three letter code of propellant factory, year of manufacture of the propellant, and delivery number.

Red stencilling is used to indicate propellant charges of a reduced weight for hot climates and may be found near the base of the case, just above the flange, or higher up the side of the case, above the other stencilling. The marking used, "P.T. + 25° C" indicates that the normal or standard charge temperature on which the weight of the charge is bases is 25° C (i.e. 77° F). The German standard charge temperature for normal European temperatures is 10° C (i.e. 50° F).

In some instances cases are stencilled "Abgebr. Ldg." in red This marking is found near the base (corresponding to the position of the "P.T. + 25 deg. C" marking) and indicates that the weight of the propellant charge has been reduced for use in hot climates. The standard temperature on which the reduction is based is indicated by the stencilling "Schusstafel P.T. + 50° C", also in red. This standard was suspersed by that of 25° C.

Where the propellant charge is suitable for use in hot climates but the charge weight is adjusted for the standard charge temperature of 10° C the cases are stencilled "Auch für Tropen".

The positions of the following markings are as viewed with the case turned so that the stamped letters and numbers on the bases are upright.

Distinctive markings in script lettering which indicate the nature, and in some instances the model number, of the projectile are stencilled in white or black paint of the left above the primer hole. The markings used to indicate the type of shell are the same as those given above under "Projectile Nomenclature".

In some instances the Roman numeral indicating the weighs classification of the projec-tiles are stencilled in white to the right below the primer hole.

Fig.1 shows the normal position of the base stampings and gives their significance. The design number (case model No.) below the primer hole, is followed by the letters "St" when the case is of steel.

The abbrevations following the calibre of the gun stamped below the design number of the case are the same as those given in the details of the stencilling on the case.

Fig. 2

The markings on the bags are the same as those stencilled on the side of the case ex-cept that the calibre, type and model number of the equipment are not always included.

A typical example is given in Fig. 2.