U.S. World War II–production 37mm round

This is an original U.S. World War II–production 37mm round, consisting of a 37mm M17 cartridge case paired with an M74 Armor-Piercing Tracer projectile, correct for American 37mm antitank and aircraft guns of the early war period.

The projectile is clearly stamped “LOT 1-23139-2-1942 EMC 37MM–M74” and retains its correct wartime paint designation marked “37 G. SHOT A.P. M74 TRACER.” The M74 A.P. Tracer was designed to defeat lightly armored vehicles and fortified targets while providing visible tracer ignition, allowing the gunner to observe the projectile’s trajectory and adjust fire. The tracer element is rated to burn for approximately 2,000 yards, an important feature for both ground and anti-aircraft use.

The brass cartridge case is the correct 37mm M17, headstamped “37MM M17 LOT 22068 SER 1942” and bears the Springfield Armory marking, confirming U.S. government wartime manufacture. Springfield Armory was a principal ordnance facility responsible for inspection, coordination, and production oversight during WWII, making marked cases particularly desirable to collectors.

This fixed round is correct for use in the 37mm Guns M3, M3A1, M5, M5A1, and M6, which equipped U.S. Army antitank units, aircraft installations, and vehicle-mounted systems during the early years of the war. The 37mm gun was the primary American antitank weapon prior to the widespread introduction of larger calibers.

An excellent representative example of U.S. WWII small-caliber artillery ammunition, this M17 case with M74 A.P. Tracer shell is well suited for advanced ordnance collections, museum displays, or educational reference focused on early-war American antitank and tracer technology.

Overall Length: Approx. 15 inches