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I have never seen one before?

Is it for starting a radial engine?

Kiln charge Vic?
Jim

Tim, right on the money!! Used before they had electric starters. My dad was stationed at Selfridge Field in the late 30's and talked about these shells going off every day as the birds were "firing up". The shell provided enough force for 4 rotations during which time the pilot had to get the engine going.

vic

Yep: I realized after I posted that this was too long to be an industrial charge. If anyone remembers the movie "Flight of the Phoenix" there was a very dramatic scene involving using these shells.
Jim

yes, they were referred to as 'Kaufmann starter cartridges'