*USA, WW2, 37mm M16 Anti Tank Round with M51B1 AP Projectile, Made by S.M.C (Singer Machine Company), Dated 1941, Inert*
36.8cm tall, 21.7cm shell case height, 5.5 base diameter
Marked on driving band: Lot -51503-40 – 1942 SG 37MM. M51B1
Marked on Base: 37MM M16 Lot 1-1300 – 91, S.M.C.-1941
Marked on Primer: M2341, 1942, WC, 6-225 79-6
In excellent condition, this Second World War-era US 37mm M16 HE Round was designed for use with the M3 Anti-Tank Gun, which closely resembled the German PAK 36. The 37mm gun M3 marked the United States’ initial deployment of a dedicated anti-tank weapon on a large scale. Introduced in 1940, it became a standard infantry anti-tank gun, notable for its compact size that allowed it to be towed by a jeep. However, advancements in German tank technology quickly rendered the 37mm gun ineffective, leading to its gradual replacement in the European and Mediterranean theaters by the more potent British-developed 57mm gun M1 by 1943.
Approximately 78 million rounds of ammunition were produced, with Armor Piercing rounds comprising about 70%, High Explosive rounds 21%, and Canister rounds 9%, with peak production occurring in 1942 and 1943.
The M51 APC-T Shot, or Armor Piercing Capped Tracer, featured a tracer element embedded in the base of the solid projectile. Consisting of a solid penetrator, piercing cap, and ballistic cap, the APC shot was designed to prevent the penetrator from shattering upon impact with armored surfaces at high velocities. By incorporating a soft steel piercing cap, the shock of impact was reduced, thus preserving the integrity of the round. The hollow aluminum ballistic cap atop the projectile improved its aerodynamic performance.
The brass cartridge is dated 1941 by S.M.C. – the Singer Machine Company.
See Hogg, British and American Artillery of World War 2, pages83 to84.
*Condition*
Very good used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQAAOXBAO_4979161241
