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8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:48 pm
by grim_marmazet
I've recently purchased the 8.8cm shells and box set from Aber, and I need some pictures of AP shells to paint the ends. I believe they were black, and from late 1943 onwards they painted white tips to aid loading in the dark.
I've seen some diagrams with red rings round the base of the shell, were these on Tiger 1 rounds? I've anyone has some pics in their libraries of pictures, it would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Rik
Re: 8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:06 pm
by oz
here you go.................oz

Re: 8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:25 pm
by grim_marmazet
Thanks oz, but appears the photo isn't on photobucket.
Cheers,
Rik
Re: 8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 5:49 pm
by Saxondog
Don't know how much help this will be but laying on the ground are spent shells in color,lower left hand.Sax
Re: 8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:24 pm
by oz
picture reposted............oz
Re: 8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:59 pm
by grim_marmazet
Thanks guys. That picture was very helpful oz, i've seen several types of colour schemes for Tiger 1 shells, varying most probably because of being made in different munition factories. The only standard seems to be black for AP shells, with white or silver tips after late '43. Some have 2 red or silver rings round the base of the shell, some dont.
I'll post pics when there done. Your pic was helpful Blake, luckily, the shell casings on the aber set are turned brass, and look amazing. Its a shame Aber dont sell the shells on there own.
Cheers,
Rik
Re: 8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:33 pm
by Saxondog
Seems very well made shells,and the crate is very detailed.Please post if you find out any more specific information,I wonder if the lines denote production plant? The Germans would certainly be tracking shells manufacturing quality,and require some way to collect that information?Sax
Re: 8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:19 pm
by grim_marmazet
I've now seen many variations, though I think a lot attributed to the Tiger shells, are Flak 88 shells. I've seen HE shells in yellow with a silver tip like oz's picture and light blue with no tip. AP shells always seem to be black, and only have a white or silver tip after '43. The rings at the bottom are usually either one or two and either red or yellow.
Maybe they do denote different munitions factories, or mixture of powders in the cartridge, maybe even smokeless and non-smokeless?
I dont know for sure, but i'm sure someone with more knowledge than me can answer that. Personally i've gone with black, white tip, one red ring, as I thought it looked cool. I'll post pics here when done.
Cheers,
Rik
Re: 8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 12:57 pm
by Sarah
Hi,
Below is a link to a photo from Bovington of a Tiger 88mm round
Hope this helps,
Sarah
Re: 8.8cm Shell Colours
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 12:58 pm
by Sarah
If you save the image above, then you will be able to see the full length of the round.
Sarah