My First Spidge!!!!

[paramedic paul]

In light of Naomis' thread about first spidge I thought I would offer this up. This small collection is what I found on a rummage around the Breakwater Fort off Plymouth a few weeks ago.

I have a couple of other bits of spidge but not self collected so, although it isn't anywhere as exciting as the Bells and Portholes that are found and shown on here, i'm quite pleased with it!!

It's a mixed collection of 20mm Bofor shell cases, smaller bore cases, a junction box of some sort, some sort of lead plug thingy, possibly a bayonet connector (the figure of 8 piece, not my idea but it has been suggested)



A close up of the junction box thingy



The primer end of one of the Bofor shells stamped with the date 1942




Like I say, i don't think Captain Deco will be worried that my spidge is better than his Porthole (he did find a porthole didn't he ) but i'm happy for now!

Thanks to Steve for cleaning them and lets see what we find this weekend!

[wibble32]

The figure of 8 thingy is a connector for joining flags together. Imagine the flag sewn to the round end, then two of the ends with the slots having tapered ends clip into each other, very strong and will not come undone in a breeze, but very quickly broken down by hand to reassemble flags etc. into next message.
Wibble

[paul_e]

How did you clean the small cases Paul? Jen got one on the same dive, and it's been sitting on my desk in a mucky state since then. I was thinking of a weak acid (dilute vinegar or hydrochloric, probably) but wasn't sure if there's a better way of doing it?

Looking nice and shiny by the way

[SilvaFish]

Originally Posted by paul_e

How did you clean the small cases Paul? Jen got one on the same dive, and it's been sitting on my desk in a mucky state since then. I was thinking of a weak acid (dilute vinegar or hydrochloric, probably) but wasn't sure if there's a better way of doing it?

Looking nice and shiny by the way

Pssst....

He didn't..... he gave it someone else to do. Used something called 'brick acid', I don't have a clue, but overheard this when the spidge cleaner got very pished on his birthday recently and let the secret out...

[paramedic paul]

Hi Paul,

Hate to say it but Lou's correct, Steve cleaned them in brick acid although he tells me that they were dipped in and out at a great rate of knots as they are so thin. I think I remember someone saying that vinegar works well although somewhat slower!

See you soon I hope

[Big Kahuna]

Cillit Bang

"Cillit Bang. Bang and the .................................................. ....................















... oh sh!t the spidge is gone"

[Steve Summers]

Big portholes from little junction boxes grow

Safe diving,
Steve

P.S. top info' from wibble about the flag doohickey

[SilvaFish]

Originally Posted by Big Kahuna

Cillit Bang

"Cillit Bang. Bang and the .................................................. ....................















... oh sh!t the spidge is gone"

You're not meant to snort it / drink it / smoke it, Chris!

What the 'ell, pass us some wot you're on....

[paramedic paul]

Originally Posted by Big Kahuna

Cillit Bang

"Cillit Bang. Bang and the .................................................. ....................

Barry Scott, STOP SHOUTING!!!!!!!

[paramedic paul]

Originally Posted by wibble32

The figure of 8 thingy is a connector for joining flags together. Imagine the flag sewn to the round end, then two of the ends with the slots having tapered ends clip into each other, very strong and will not come undone in a breeze, but very quickly broken down by hand to reassemble flags etc. into next message.
Wibble

Thanks for that info, very gratefully received!!!!