British, WW1 - Dated 1916, Percussion Artillery Fuze No. 85, by B.S.C.

*British, WW1 - Dated 1916, Percussion Artillery Fuze No. 85, by B.S.C.*

Original British First World War Percussion Fuze No. 85, manufactured in 1916 by B.S.C. (Birmingham Small Arms Co.). Constructed in brass with the characteristic stepped body and domed striker head, this fuze retains clear, legible stamped markings around the fuze rings despite heavy service oxidation. The exterior shows deep, honest corrosion and impact wear consistent with prolonged field use or long-term burial, giving the piece strong trench-relic character.

Stamped to the fuze rings with:
B.S.C. – Birmingham Small Arms Co.
British inspection / acceptance marks, including a square-letter stamp
No. 85 – British Percussion Fuze designation
Lot 10 (or similar low lot number) – Manufacturer’s production batch
1916 – Year of manufacture
All markings are consistent with documented WW1 production examples.

Historical Note:
The Percussion Fuze No. 85 was one of the standard British nose fuzes of the First World War, designed for direct-action detonation on impact. It was widely used on British high-explosive artillery shells, including the 18-pounder, 4.5-inch howitzer, and other contemporary field and siege guns. Introduced before the war and produced in vast numbers during the conflict, the No.85 saw service throughout the Western Front and other theatres from 1914 onward.

Birmingham Small Arms was one of the principal wartime contractors responsible for fuze production, supplying vast quantities during the peak years of shell manufacture in 1915–1917.

*Condition*
Heavily oxidised with pitting, surface wear, and impact marks throughout, consistent with age and wartime use. Markings remain clearly readable. Internals appear empty/inert, but the fuze is sold strictly as a collectors’ relic. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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