4"/50cal Mark 3 Wooden Dummy Round with Wooden Fuze
$2,250.00
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4"/50cal Mark 3 Wooden Dummy Round with Wooden Fuze
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Experience a unique piece of naval history with this rare 4"/50 Cal Mark 3 Wooden Dummy Round, complete with a wooden fuze. Crafted for training this wooden dummy round was designed to replicate the weight and dimensions of live rounds, enabling sailors to practice handling and loading procedures safely aboard warships equipped with 4"/50 caliber guns.
These iconic guns served as the primary armament on several classes of U.S. Navy destroyers during the early 20th century and were used extensively in both World War I and World War II. Most notably, the 4"/50 caliber guns on the USS Ward (DD-139) made history on the morning of December 7, 1941, when they fired the first American shots of the Pacific War, sinking a Japanese midget submarine attempting to infiltrate Pearl Harbor. This action marked the beginning of the United States' involvement in World War II and showcased the readiness and determination of the Ward's crew.
Constructed from durable wood to simulate the feel of live ammunition this dummy round is an exceptional collectible for naval history enthusiasts and WWII buffs. Its design reflects the era's focus on detailed, hands-on training to ensure operational readiness.
Features:
- Historical Design: Authentic replica of the 4"/50 Cal Mark 3 ammunition used aboard U.S. Navy destroyers and other vessels
- Material: Durable wooden construction with a matching wooden fuze
- Training Purpose: Originally used for handling and loading drills
- Naval Significance: Direct connection to the legendary USS Ward and its historic role at Pearl Harbor
- Rare Collectible: A unique addition to any naval or military history collection
This 4"/50 Cal Mark 3 Wooden Dummy Round serves as a tribute to the brave sailors who stood watch during some of the most pivotal moments in naval history. Perfect for display in museums, collections, or as a centerpiece in your home, this rare item embodies the dedication and resilience of the U.S. Navy.
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The full story.
The First Shot: USS Ward at Pearl Harbor | The Inglorius Padre Steve's World
LT William Outerbridge was new to command. The Lieutenant and veteran of 14 years of service had taken command of the elderly destroyer USS Ward (DD 139) less than 24 hours before she began her weekend Anti-Submarine patrol of the entrance to Pearl Harbor. In the inter-war years, promotion was slow, and opportunities for advancement were slim. Outerbridge had been commissioned following graduation from the Naval Academy in 1927. He was the only Regular Navy Officer on the ship.
The Ward was old but had very few miles on her. A Wickes class destroyer of 1250 tons and armed with four 4" 50 caliber and two 3" guns, she was launched and commissioned in 1918. She was decommissioned and placed in reserve in 1921. Recommissioned in January 1941 she was assigned to Destroyer Division 80 at Pearl Harbor. This squadron of elderly ships consisting of Ward, along with USS Schley, USS Chew and the even older USS Allen was assigned to the Inshore Patrol Command.
As tensions between the United States and Japan increased the War Department and Department of the Navy issued a "War Warning," and Admiral Husband Kimmel, Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet ordered a "shoot on sight" against any ship or submarine operating in the security zone outside Pearl Harbor which effectively put the ships of DesDiv 80 on a war footing.
Outerbridge had taken command on Friday December 5th and taken the ship to sea 6th at 0628. He had no idea that in just over 24 hours the guns of his ship would be the first American warship to fire at an enemy combatant in the Pacific during the war.
As the Ward patrolled the area just a couple of miles off of the entrance to Pearl Harbor, the minesweeper USS Condor (AMc-14) spotted a white wake near her at 0342. The Officer of the Deck and Captain determined that it was the periscope of a submarine. They signaled the Ward patrolling nearby: "Sighted submerged submarine on a westerly course, speed nine knots" at 0348.
Outerbridge ordered the Ward to general quarters. After a futile search Outerbridge secured from General Quarters at 0443. At 0458 Pearl Harbor's anti-torpedo net gate was opened to allow passage of Condor and a number of other small ships, including the Stores Ship USS Antares (AKS 14). Antares was towing a target back to base when at about 0635 a lookout on Ward noticed a wake following the auxiliary between her and her raft.
Outerbridge returned to the bridge and sounded general quarters at 0640. Outerbridge increased Ward's speed to 25 knots and commenced firing on the sub at 0645. Ward's number three gun scored a hit at the base of the sub's conning tower, and Ward charged the sub. Coming close alongside the Ward dropped depth charges, which sank the sub.
Outerbridge notified harbor control at 0651, sending the message "Depth bombed sub operating in defensive sea area." Some of his own officers thought that it was possible that Ward had attacked an American submarine but Outerbridge was confident that the sub was hostile. To emphasize that this was different from false alarms that headquarters was accustomed to sending another message at 0653: "Attacked, fired upon, depth bombed, and sunk submarine operating in defensive sea area." It was just over an hour before the first Japanese planes would begin their bombing runs.
Delays in seeking more conformation and reluctance to believe the report resulted in the message not being rapidly transmitted up the chain of command. It was a symptom of a parochial and divided command structure that did not respond quickly to the needs of war.
The rest is history. Within two hours, the Battle line of the Pacific Fleet was sunk or crippled; all told, 18 ships were sunk or damaged. 2402 Sailors, Marines, and Soldiers were killed and another 1247 wounded.
USS Ward APD-16 burning after being hit by Kamikaze
Ward's war was not over. She was converted to a Fast Transport and redesigned APD-16 in 1943. She participated in actions in the Solomons, New Guinea, and the Philippines.
On December 7th, 1944, while conducting operations at Ormoc Bay, the veteran ship was hit by a Japanese "Betty" Twin-engined bomber. The large aircraft acting as a Kamikaze crashed into Ward and started fires and flooding that could not be controlled. One of the ships that came to Ward's assistance was the USS O'Brien (DD 725) commanded by LCDR William Outerbridge. The same officer who had commanded Ward at Pearl Harbor. Three years to the day after sinking the Japanese submarine, LCDR Outerbridge was ordered to sink his former ship after rescuing her crew.
Outerbridge retired as a Rear Admiral in 1957 and died in 1986. Like others of his generation, he served in war and peace. As we remember the attack on Pearl Harbor, let us not forget him, as well as the fine crew of the USS Ward. These men were alert that quiet Sunday morning 70 years ago and took action. They sunk a Japanese midget submarine intent on entering Pearl Harbor and reported their actions. One wonders what might have happened if Outerbridge's reports had been acted on, interceptors scrambled, and anti-aircraft defenses on ships and ashore had been ready when the Japanese attackers swept in to attack Pearl Harbor. Of course, we will never know.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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