robinb Posted January 16, 2008 Here's something that you don't see every day. The 40 pound shaped charge, M3, and the original 1945 dated wooden shipping box. The M3 shaped charge was a cratering charge. It is essentially a steel cylinder, cone shaped on the bottom, and filled with explosives. The top has a threaded fuse well to accept the standard electric or non-electric blasting cap. The resulting blast would create a 9' deep crater in concrete. Perfect for opening up enemy bunkers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robinb Posted January 16, 2008 The steel legs would elevate the charge for the correct "stand off" needed for the shaped charge to work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Keith Posted January 16, 2008 Now that is really Cool! Heck, just the box would be hard to fine! I do hope it is Inert! BKW Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie Flick Posted January 16, 2008 Very interesting piece, Robin. Thanks for posting it. Never seen one outside of a manual. Charlie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
copdoc Posted January 17, 2008 I do hope it is Inert! Me too that is a lot of HE. How did you deactivate it. VERY NICE! That is a lot of HE to cook on a double boiler and a small hole to get it out. Is it cut away on one of the sides? Funny thing. I saw a crate for one for sale a few weeks ago. I was going to get it but did not have room. I never thought anyone would have one. Next time I'm taking the truck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robinb Posted January 17, 2008 There are no holes in it. I think it was a training aid at one time. No markings anywhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
copdoc Posted January 17, 2008 Robin, I admit I am envious. To find an M3 training aid is really neat. Can you imagine what it would be like to light it up if it were live? If it was above ground, the safe clearance would be well over a mile. You should screw an inert grenade fuse in it, post it on another forum, and ask how far you have to run back when you pull the pin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FOXHOLE Posted January 17, 2008 Hello, I owned one of these some years ago (and the smaller M1A1 too, same use), and didn't keep them as I don't collect WW2. The translation in english of the french name (charge creuse) for this charge, would be "hollow charge". That means it is used to destroy at an exact place, armored buildings or concrete. The explosion produced a very high temperature which could create a hole in any material. On mine, there were some yellow markings and 1944 date. A very special demo item. Foxy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
usaaf93 Posted March 2, 2018 Here is a different crate found (empty) in eastern France last week Looking for a pair of E1 heated gloves Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
