Shell marking is, in general, very uniformative, only those markings which are necessary for the gunner or inspector are given. For this reason a very close examination is neces-sary to identify it.

1. Stampings.

2. Painting and Stencilling.

Stampings on shell are mostly manufacturing or inspection marks, and for recognition purposes may be completely ignored.

Fig. 6 given the normal position and the significance of the stampings on shell.

Stencillings is the most important consideration in the examination of shell with a view to identification.

All stencilling in shell, other than A.P. types, is normally in black. Stencilling on A.P. types is normally in red.

Fig. 7 and the plates at the end of this pamphlet are typical examples of the more gene-ral and important stencilling which will be found on most shell. Appendix D explains others in use.

Fig 7

For the purpose of identification, the shell exterior may be divided in the following areas (See Fig. 8)

In area A is stencilled in black the initiales of the place where the fuze is inserted in the shell together with the date and identification mark of the firm. Details affecting the fuz-ing are also stencilled here. Shell with ballistic caps, fitted with nose fuze, are invariably stencilled on the cap with the abbrevated designation of the fuze.

In area B is stencilled in large black arabic numerals the code number denoting the nature of the bursting charge. Appendix E gives the known code numbers. Below the filling num-ber, and in larger Roman numerals, is stencilled the classification of the shell for weight. Shell are classified in five weighs, I to V. Those within "dead weight limits" are stencilled III, the ligthest I and the heaviest V. The stencilling is in 1.2 inch numerals for calibres up to 21 cm and in 2 inch numerals for shell of larger calibre. One or both of the above numerals may appear in area C.

In area C is stencilled all the details concerning the type of shell and its action. On smoke shell, the date and trade mark of the filling factory is stencilled beside the filling plug, if such exists, otherwise this information appears in area D. Various stampings will also be found in this area which refer to manufacturing details affecting the shell and driving band.

In area D is stencilled the initiales of the place, date and trade mark of the shell filling factory. In addition any details of the driving band which the user should know, though this may overflow into area "C".

Stampings also appears here. These are:– Delivery No., shell manufacturers initials or monogram, year of manufacture and a work mark.

In area E (separate loading type only) the shell calibre is sometimes stencilled in white, but usually there is no stencilling in this area.

The base is sometimes stencilled with a brief resume of the important details on the side of the shell, e.g. type of driving band, calibre and nature of shell, type of fuze, weight class.

Fig. 8

The bodies of projectiles are painted as follows. Depth of colour may vary slightly:–

The painting of tips canot a common practice as with British projectiles and has no gene-ral signifiance, i.e. it has a different meaning with individual natures.

A white tip painted on 7.62 cm shell to enable the ammunition to be readily identified as such. The cartridge case of this round is interchangeable with, and bears markings relat-ing to the 7.62 cm Pak 40 ammunition.

To differentiate between two projectiles of the same calibre which are similar in appearance but differ materially in ballistic performance.

On a "15 cm K.Gr. rot KPS" Shell immediately above the driving band has a dual meaning. It notes the shell has a modified driving band usually in-dicated by a red band in this position and its ballistic performance differs from other shell of similar apearance (Yellow band area C).

Used stintinguish a projectile with a modified driving band where two otherwise identical type shell exist.

On 2 cm and some naval shell, the colour of the band indicates the co-lour of the trace.

Below the channelure of fixed Q.F. ammunition to indicate the position of the cannelure has been changed.

Black arrow pointing towards the nose or the base of the shell

On naval yellow coloured shell with ballistic cap indicates nose or base fuze according to direction of arrow.