The French WW1 37mm A.PX.10 TR Brass Cartridge Case is a notable piece of military ammunition from the early 20th century. Here are its key features and historical context:

Key Features

1. Caliber: 37mm
2. Material: Brass
3. Designation: A.PX.10 TR (Artillerie de Paris eXperience 1910 Tir Rapide)
4. Period: World War I (1914-1918)
5. Usage: Primarily used in infantry support and anti-tank roles.

Historical Context and Usage

1. Development: The 37mm caliber was developed for the French Army to provide infantry units with a lightweight, portable artillery piece that could be easily maneuvered in the field. The TR designation stands for "Tir Rapide," indicating its rapid-firing capability.

2. Weapon Compatibility: This cartridge was used in various 37mm guns, notably the Puteaux SA 18 and similar artillery pieces. These guns were typically employed for direct fire support against enemy infantry, machine gun nests, and light fortifications.

3. Design Characteristics:

   • Shell: The cartridge would typically house a high-explosive (HE) or armor-piercing (AP) projectile, designed to penetrate light armor or deliver a high-explosive charge.
   • Primer: It featured a percussion primer, which would ignite the propellant when struck by the firing pin.
   • Markings: The base of the brass cartridge case would be stamped with various markings, including the manufacturer's code, the production year, and sometimes the lot number or other inspection marks. These markings were crucial for identifying the cartridge's origin and ensuring quality control.

4. Operational Role: During WWI, the 37mm guns and their cartridges played a significant role in trench warfare. Their small size and weight made them ideal for use in the confined and rugged environments of the Western Front trenches.

5. Effectiveness: While the 37mm caliber was effective against lightly armored targets and fortifications, it was less effective against the heavier armor that began to appear later in the war. Despite this, the rapid-fire capability provided crucial support to infantry assaults and defensive operations.

In summary, the French WW1 37mm A.PX.10 TR Brass Cartridge Case represents a critical component of early 20th-century military technology, highlighting the evolution of infantry support weapons during the intense and varied combat conditions of World War I