This is a large 7.7cm feldkanone brass German artillery shell produced in 1907. It measures 6" in diameter and 4.5" in height. The shell consists of the lower portion of the brass bottom casing, with all but one of the internal components removed. The fuse and other structural components are also missing. The shell is marked "1907" and is consistent with other artillery shells produced by the Polte Armaturen und Maschinenfabrik OHG company during the First World War. Shells of this size were designed to be used primarily by Howitzer-style guns, as the barrels were shorter to provide more of an arc while the projectile was travelling in the air. This particular shell was likely not a shrapnel-releasing shell since it is stouter and lacks the general shape specifications. This content can be used with the following resources: SS.4.25: Technological Change This content can be used to educate students on the advancements that were made to weapons technology during the First World War and how they impacted the lives of Iowan servicemen.
2018.002.028 [Shell, Artillery]
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