WW1 British QF 4.5-inch Howitzer Artillery H.E. Round with Original No.80 Fuze – Dated 1917 – Excellent Display Piece

WW1 British QF 4.5-inch Howitzer Round with Original No.80 Fuze – Dated 1917 – Excellent Display Piece
An original First World War British QF 4.5-inch Howitzer H.E. round, complete with its original No. 80 Time nose fuze, the fuze itself clearly dated 1917.

The British QF 4.5-inch Howitzer became the standard light field howitzer of the Royal Artillery during the Great War, serving on every major front from the opening battles of 1914 through to the Armistice. Firing a 35 lb projectile, it proved invaluable in trench warfare, where its high-angle fire could engage enemy trenches, strongpoints and gun positions hidden from direct fire.

This example retains its original No. 80 Time Fuze, one of the most recognisable British artillery fuzes of the First World War. Introduced before the war and continually improved throughout the conflict, the No. 80 was widely employed on British artillery ammunition, with later wartime variants incorporating brass components and further refinements. Examples dated 1917 represent production during the height of Britain’s artillery expansion on the Western Front.

Presented in good overall condition, the projectile displays an attractive aged patina, retaining the character expected of an original wartime piece. The fuze markings remain visible, with the 1917 date providing an excellent period feature for collectors of British ordnance and Great War militaria.

Whether displayed on its own or as part of a military collection, this is an impressive and increasingly difficult-to-find example of one of Britain’s most iconic artillery projectiles.

Features
Original WW1 British QF 4.5-inch Howitzer round
Complete with original No. 80 Time fuze
Fuze clearly dated 1917
Good overall condition
Excellent display and collection piece
Genuine Great War British artillery relic
Historical Significance

The QF 4.5-inch Howitzer equipped Royal Artillery batteries throughout the First World War and was responsible for delivering millions of shells in support of British and Commonwealth infantry. It played a decisive role during battles including the Somme, Arras, Passchendaele and the Hundred Days Offensive, becoming one of the most successful artillery weapons employed by the British Army during the conflict.

Dimensions
Calibre: 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Period: First World War
Fuze: No. 80 Time
Fuze Date: 1917

A superb original piece of British Great War history that would make an outstanding addition to any collection of First World War militaria, Royal Artillery memorabilia or ordnance.