Description
1941 U.S. 75mm T12 Experimental APC Projectile with Brass Gun Cartridge Case — Inert
Item Overview
This extremely scarce inert U.S. 75mm T12 armor-piercing capped projectile is dated 1941 and fitted into a brass 75mm gun cartridge case. It preserves the experimental designation used during development of the later M61 projectile. The exposed armor-piercing cap also makes the nose construction easy to study. This is believed to be the first-ever developed armor-piercing capped round for the M4 Sherman tank.
Identification and Features
The projectile and cartridge case carry separate identification markings. Reading them individually distinguishes the projectile’s model and date from the case’s production lot.
- T12: The experimental projectile designation associated with the development of the M61.
- 1941: The projectile’s manufacture date. This date applies to the projectile rather than automatically dating the cartridge case.
- 75MM A.P.C.: Identifies the 75mm caliber and armor-piercing capped projectile type.
- B.S.Co.: The manufacturer’s marking on the projectile, recorded as stamped. Bethleham Steel Company.
- 75mm GUN: Identifies the cartridge case as intended for 75mm gun ammunition. The wording alone does not identify a particular tank.
- LOT 2006: The cartridge-case lot number. The number 2006 is a production-batch identifier, not the year of manufacture.
- E.M.C.: The cartridge-case manufacturer’s marking.Eestern Manufacturing Company
Function
The T12 was developed to defeat armored targets through the impact of an armor-piercing projectile. In a service cartridge, the case held the ammunition components together as a fixed round for the gun.
Documented End-Item Application
The direct historical identification is the experimental T12 projectile within the M61 development line. The Office of the Chief of Ordnance’s 1944 catalog lists standardized M61 ammunition for the 75mm M3 tank gun, which armed 75mm-equipped M4 Sherman variants. This establishes the later design’s Sherman connection. The offered projectile is most precisely identified by its own T12 stamp and 1941 date.
Product History
The T12 was the developmental predecessor of the M61 armor-piercing capped projectile. H. P. Hitchcock’s Ballistic Research Laboratories Report No. 620, Aerodynamic Data for Spinning Projectiles, dated October 1947, lists the design as “M61 (T12)” in its 75mm section. That official pairing directly documents the relationship between the experimental and standardized designations. The 1941 marking places this example within the early development period rather than identifying it simply as a later production M61.
Parent-Equipment History
The 75mm M3 tank gun developed from the shorter M2 and was standardized on July 24, 1941. Its longer barrel became a key feature of the early Sherman’s main armament. The Sherman pilot was ready in September 1941, and production began in February 1942. These dates show that this projectile belongs to the same period of rapid development that produced the gun and tank associated with the later M61 ammunition.
Weapon-System Background
TM 9-1901, Artillery Ammunition, describes the standardized M61 as a steel projectile body with a separate armor-piercing cap and a lightweight ballistic windshield. The cap assisted the penetrating body during impact, while the pointed windshield reduced air resistance during flight. The service M61 design also provided an opening at the base for its fuze.
History of Use
Army test summaries document T12 projectiles in Aberdeen armor trials by August 1941. A later report provides another specific example: Aberdeen report AD-95, dated November 9, 1942, lists 75mm APC T12 projectiles among the ammunition fired against Medium Tank M7 hull number 8, supplied by International Harvester. This records the type’s use in evaluating tank protection as well as its place in ammunition development. The test concerns the T12 design and does not establish the firing history of this individual example.
Condition
Overall excellent condition for being 85 years old. Projectile still retains its original flat olive drab paint. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This dated experimental projectile offers a specific link to the development of U.S. 75mm armor-piercing ammunition. Its T12 markings and exposed nose construction support displays that explain how experimental designs became standardized service equipment.
- U.S. experimental ammunition and World War II ordnance collections.
- Displays covering T12 and M61 projectile development.
- Collections interpreting early 75mm tank-gun ammunition and Aberdeen testing.
Approx length 22", Approx width 3.5", Approx height 3.5", Approx weight 16.2 lbs.
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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