It threads into an 105mm shell. Any insight appreciated. 

M557 fuze or similar variant

Looks like it was painted white? If so, why?

Thoughts on stripping the white and black paint to return it to original appearance?

 

I have a 1943 105mm HE that I’m thinking of mating with this. 

Anyone have any insight on the white paint? Original or not? 

Not original, should be anodized black or chromate goldish in color. But, it is complete w/ booster, not commonly found. Leave it as is as the finish under it appears to not be correct either.

 

Write the complete lettering found engraved on it, that will have clues as to its purpose ( unloaded factory reject, demilled, training fuze, etc…)

Forgot, it is an M557 PD fuze. 
 

https://www.bulletpicker.com/pd_-m557.html

The engraving says, “empty” 

 

Makes sense, factory reject or maybe training fuze. 
 

 

 

Decided to strip the white paint, looks good on my projectile. 

Good decision to strip the paint. The 105mm looks complete now!