2018.002.034 [Shell, Artillery]

This is a small brass 37mm shell produced for use in the German Army in 1905. It measures 2.5" (6.25cm) in height and 1.55" (3.9cm) in diameter. The interior components of the shell are missing, leaving only the bottom portion of the casing. The outer surface of the shell is in good condition, with remarkably little tarnishing. The interior surface is quite tarnished and sports a dark gray/black color. Inscriptions on the bottom of the casing show its manufacture date as 1905, almost ten years before the First World War. It is of German manufacture, as the name "KARLSRUHE" is engraved prominently on the bottom. Other engravings include the letter "M" underneath a decorative crown design, with the accompanying inscription, "C/97 98" beneath it. The Roman numeral "VI" is engraved to the left of the center primer hole, and the number "151" is engraved beneath the word, "KARLSRUHE." The "M" stands for "Kaiserliche Marine," indicating that this shell was used by the German Navy during the First World War. This content can be used with the following resources: SS.4.25: Technological Change This content can be used to educate students on the ways in which military technology advanced during the First World War and how those advancements impacted the lives of Iowa servicemen who participated in the war. For any use other than instructional materials, please check with the organization that owns this item for any copyright restrictions.