Also known as: fuze vs fuse.
| Fuze | The igniting device of a projectile (time, percussion, combination, concussion) |
|---|---|
| Fuse | Often a simple burning cord or match |
| Note | Usage varies; the spellings are commonly confused |
A note on the words
In the language of ordnance, fuze commonly denotes the device fitted to a projectile to fire its bursting charge, whether a time, percussion, combination, or concussion fuze, while fuse often refers to a simple burning cord, such as a length of slow match or a safety fuse.
The two spellings are easily confused, and period and modern writers do not always keep them distinct, so both appear in the records. This site uses fuze for the projectile's igniting device.
On this site
Sources & further reading
- CivilWarArtillery.com research archive: manuals, reports, and historical references.
- Hackley, Frank W. Civil War Explosive Ordnance. Revised November 10, 1960. U.S. Naval School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal.