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I agree with Charles. It is a mortar round, without doubt. It's difficult to tell from the photograph you posted, as the image is too large to view conveniently, but, from the length, I would guess it's a 75mm to 84m Mortar round, or thereabouts. Red markings generally signify a 'Live' round, although again, the actual shape of the markings are difficult to see. Also, from what I could make out, it is possible that at least part of the firing charge is still in place inside the venturi within the tail fin assembly. If it is, this alone can be VERY dangerous! If it IS live, then I would put it down somewhere safe, do not touch it again, and contact the nearest Explosive Ordnance Officer, which you should find in the local area telephone book, probably under Army, Navy, or Air Force - Bomb Disposal. Failing that, contact the Police.
Although it is very possible that this bomb has been deactivated, I would not take any chances, as there SHOULD be markings on it to verify this.
By the shape and design of the fins, it is possible that this is a British round; if so, it is an obsolete design, possibly from the period of the Second World War, or earlier, which means that, if it IS live, it could be very unstable!
Even if it turns out to be inert and perfectly safe, have it checked!
On military ranges, or former battlefields, one of the most dangerous objects to disturb are unexploded mortar rounds; the ratios of serious injury or death, caused be these, is as high as that caused by the 13 million or so unaccounted for land mines across the world.
I'm sorry if this seems somewhat dramatic but, with an unidentified piece of lethal ordnance, you DO NOT TAKE CHANCES!
some of weapons were not deacts!
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Whoa! There's an underwear change!
Hi Double'. Not sure about Canada or the 'States, but in the U.K., and probably Europe and Scandanavia, it's possible to purchase such deactivated ordnance fairly easily, via dealers, arms fairs and so on.
I for one, hope this is not the last time we hear from Hogberg?
I for one, hope this is not the last time we hear from Hogberg?