WW1 British Brass 18-Pounder Fuse No. 85 with Internals | Somme Battlefield Relic

This is an original WW1 British No. 85 artillery fuse complete with its internal brass pipe and base, recovered from the Somme region of France. These pieces are part of the famous 18-Pounder field gun shell, a mainstay of the British artillery during the First World War.

The fuse has been fired and therefore shows impact damage, giving it the authentic character of a battlefield relic. It weighs a solid 1.2kg, making it a substantial display item — equally suited as an unusual paperweight or as part of a military collection.

The brass shows areas of “pinking” corrosion, caused by dezincification over time, where zinc leaches away leaving a copper-rich surface. This natural patina is typical of brass artefacts left in the soil for over a century and speaks to its long history.

Still being uncovered by farmers and collectors across the Somme more than 100 years later, pieces like this remain tangible links to the Great War.

✨Key Features

• Authentic WW1 British No. 85 brass artillery fuse with internal pipe and base
• Part of an 18-Pounder field gun shell
• Fired fuse with visible impact damage
• Original battlefield relic sourced from the Somme, France
• Brass shows natural pinking corrosion from age (dezincification)
• Heavy and substantial piece — ideal for display or collection

📏Dimensions

• Height: approx. 25 cm
• Weight (unpackaged): 1.2 kg

🌿 Please Remember:
All our items are sourced from traditional French brocante markets. This is a genuine vintage item, not a reproduction. Light signs of wear and age are part of its history and appeal. 📌 Please note: This is a historic, inert relic and is completely safe to own and display

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www.allthingsfrenchstore.co.uk

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