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Text copied from TM9-1985-2 German Explosive Ordnance 1953 :



Diameter or Width: 6inches, Depth: 4.5inches, Explosive: Sprengkörper 28, Explosive weight: approx. 7ounces, Color: Clear, Material: Glass, Pull or pressure required: 20-25pounds, Fuze: Hebelzünder or Bück chemical.







Description: The mine consists of a glass "dish" which is covered by a thin glass shear plate. The explosive charge is a standard sprengkörper28 german demolition block. Either the Buck chemical igniter or the "Schücko" igniter may be deployed as shown. A metal saftetyfork fits into grooves in the pressureplate, providing a bridge to the outer edges of the mine, and supports the safetyfork until such time as the mine is laid. A grooved shoulder on the inside of the case, about 2 inches from the bottom, supports the igniter plate. When the Schücko igniter is used the igniter plate consists of a thin sheet metal plate which has a central hole for the igniter. When the Bück chemical igniter is used , however, an igniter plate having the same diameter and igniter hole but of stronger design is employed. Four circular corrugations on the plate not only serve to strengthen it, but also to raise the igniter hole by 3/8inch. The mine is stated to be proof against sea, air and sea water, and with each mine is supplied sufficient cement putty to insure this. The putty is used around the circumference of the igniter plate and around the edge of the glass shear plate.



Operation: When sufficient pressure is applied to the glass pressure plate, the shear plate is broken and crushes the top of the Bück igniter or trips the actuating lever of the Schücko igniter, depending on which igniter is used.







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Mark started photografing the differences so I decided to go along with that.

Here's the variety so far : Mine bodies :



Pressure plates :



The pressure plate above on the right © Jeff.



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The one below (detailled on the right) was recovered in the Netherlands.

So far I had never seen this marking before.



Photos © Marco.







The version shown below uses a Topfminenzunder42 as an igniter and is therefore better indetectable.

The fuze lies in glass body that is placed on the same rim in the mine as were normal the steel plate lies.

More detailled photos of the glass insert are very welcome.



Photos right and below © Eric Dubant.







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Photo on Bück fuze © Dave Sampson.



This fuze made the mine almost indetectable at the time.

The base of this fuze was made of brass or plastic, and the cap made of thin aluminium.

Detectors weren't good enough at that time to find this little metal.



