*British / NATO; Cold War Dated 1978 / 1992; 105mm L7 / M68 APDS Training Sabot Round, RLB Birtley (Centurion / Leopard 1 / M60 Patton), Inert*
An excellent and highly displayable original 105mm tank gun sabot round, offered as a completely inert display piece, hollow and free from all explosive or energetic materials. This is a full fixed round for the widely used NATO 105mm L7 / M68 gun system, retaining its original long brass cartridge case and mounted sabot projectile—an impressive and iconic Cold War armoured warfare display item.
This example is particularly desirable as a mixed-production (service or instructional) assembly, combining an earlier APDS sabot projectile with a later brass case, reflecting known refurbishment and training practices. The earlier APDS “short dart” configuration gives the round a more classic and visually recognisable Cold War profile compared to later long-rod APFSDS types.
The projectile section is clearly marked:
“AP/DS 105mm SX 137GE” – Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (Royal Ordnance drawing reference)
“RLB 5/78” – Royal Laboratories Birtley, May 1978
Additional contractor / batch codes including “GD 71/78”, lot and sub-lot markings present
The brass cartridge case base is stamped:
“105 PzK M68” – NATO 105mm gun (German Panzerkanone designation for Leopard 1 / L7 family)
“RLB 01/92” – Birtley manufacture or refurbishment, January 1992
Also marked “APFSDS-T”, indicating later training or re-designation within service
This combination confirms the round was reconfigured for training, drill, or instructional purposes, a common practice in later Cold War service where components were reused and re-designated.
The base retains its central primer cap in situ, an important detail for collectors, even though the round is fully inert.
Approx. Measurements – Projectile and Case Length: 82.5 cm. Brass Case Length: 60.8 cm. Base Diameter: 14.5 cm.
History Note:
The 105mm L7 gun, and its US designation M68, became the standard NATO tank armament from the 1960s through the Cold War, fitted to vehicles such as the British Centurion, German Leopard 1, and US M60 Patton. Early APDS ammunition provided high-velocity kinetic penetration using a sub-calibre core, later superseded by APFSDS long-rod penetrators. Training and instructional rounds were frequently assembled from mixed components during refurbishment cycles, as seen in this example.
*Condition*
Good display condition overall. The brass case shows expected age patina, handling marks, and service wear. The projectile retains its black finish with areas of paint loss, surface marking, and residue around the sabot joins. Markings remain largely legible throughout. Structurally solid and complete. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Please contact us prior to purchase if you'd like to arrange collection.
JAQ#3136BE_7199239244
