Also known as: identifying fuzes.
| Approach | Class, material, form, graduations, threads, and markings |
|---|---|
| Classes | Time, percussion, combination, concussion |
| Safety | A fuze may be part of a live projectile; treat as hazardous |
Reading a fuze
A fuze is identified first by its class, time, percussion, combination, or concussion, and then by its material, body form, any time graduations, its threads or seating, and surviving markings. Comparing these against known patterns, such as the numbered examples in the reference galleries, narrows it to a maker or type.
Because a fuze may still be seated in a projectile that holds a live bursting charge, identification should be done carefully and never by disassembly. A suspected live shell or fuze must be left to qualified explosive-ordnance professionals.
On this site
Sources & further reading
- Hackley, Frank W. Civil War Explosive Ordnance. Revised November 10, 1960. U.S. Naval School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
- CivilWarArtillery.com research archive: fuze references, manuals, and reports.