Nose Fuzes

Nose fuzes, with the exception of one of the models used in the 3.7-cm Pak. (antitank gun) ammunition, are designated in a numbered series.

In some instances – as, for example, the 23 fuze – there is more than one type of the model, but these are all designated under the same number.

The letter "S" with an oblique stroke immediately in front of the fuze number indicates a mechanical fuze.

The following letters included in the designation of nose fuze will percede the model num-ber (or letter and number):

A.Z.: Point detonating fuze.

E.K.Zdr.: Sensitive type of point detonating fuze.

K.Z.: Point detonating type under a ballistic cap, except in the case of the K.Z. 38, an ordinary P.D. fuze.

kl.A.Z.: Smaller size of a point detonating fuze model.

Wgr.Z.: Fuze for infantry gun or howitzer shell.

Zt.Z.: Time fuze.

Dopp.Z.: Combination fuze – time and impact Fuzes for smoke shells have the letter Nb following the fuze number.

The exception 3.7-cm fuze referred to is designated 3.7-cm Kpf.Z.Zerl.P. The letter "Kpf. Z" indicates a nose fuze, while Zerl.P. indicates the presence of a gun-powder pellet which is destroyed on firing to release a centrifugal safety device.

Base Fuzes

Base fuzes are designated to include the calibre of the equipement and the nature of projectile in which used.

The following are typical examples: Bd.Z. f. 7.5-cm Pzgr. – Indicates base fuze for 7.5- cm armor piercing projectile. Bd.Z. f. 15 cm Gr. 19 Be – indicating base fuze for 15-cm anticoncrete shell Model 19.

Delay and Superquick Settings

Fuzes with a setting device for optional delay are stamped with the letters "M", "V", "O", to indicate the positions to which the slot in the setting plug must be set to obtain eit-her delay or nondelay action.

With nose fuzes the "M" and the "V" are normally diametrically opposite and the plug is turned so that the slot in its head is alined with them to obtain "with delay" action.

With base fuzes the "M" and "V" are stamped together as "MV" and the slot in the setting plug is alined with this stamped to obtain delay action.

The "O" stamping indicates the setting position for "without delay".

The stamping settings are colored in red. With these types of fuzes the letter "V" follo-wed by numerical enclosed in brackets, is painted after the fuze number on package la-bels and also on the fuze body. The letter indicates delay and the figures the period of delay.

Examples: A.Z. 23 m.V. (0.25) or A.Z. 23 v. (0.25) – Point Detonating Fuze No. 23 with 0.25-second delay. MV (mit Verzögerung) with delay, O or OV with-out delay. (Ohne Verzögerung.)

Markings on Fuzes Boxes

Fuze markings give the type of fuze, the manufacturer, the lot number, and the number of fuzes packed.

In addition, point detonating fuze boxes are marked at each end with vertical stripes.

Examples: One (1) red band at each end. Box contains a point detonating fuze. One (1) white band at each end. Box contains a point detonating superquick fuze. One (1) black band at each end. Box contains fuzes with a short delay. One (1) violet band at each end. Box contains fuzes with long delay.

If the fuzes are of the type with reinforced springs, one the bands mentioned above is replaced by a green band.

Boosters

Boosters are designated in a numbered series, sometimes with a letter and an oblique stroke immediately in front of the number.

Where paper wrappers are used, the marking "Zdlg." is also used as the designation for auxialiary boosters and for the bursting charge similar to a burster which is used in smoke shells.

The PETN/Wax used in exploders is colored pink.