Proof Test Plates

During the 19th Century targets made from different thicknesses of iron plate were used to test the effectiveness of a wide variety of guns and projectiles.

A 13" Iron Experimental Casemate Shield used in 1850 to test the effectiveness of different calibre round shot.

A 13" Iron Experimental Casemate Shield used in 1850 to test the effectiveness of different calibre round shot.
Another view of the 13" Iron Experimental Casemate Shield used to test the effectiveness of different calibre round shot. These trials took place at Shoeburyness, Essex.

Another view of the 13" Iron Experimental Casemate Shield used to test the effectiveness of different calibre round shot. These trials took place at Shoeburyness, Essex.
An 11" Iron Plate split in two by shellfire. It was used in 1865 to test the effectiveness of shells against iron armour.

An 11" Iron Plate split in two by shellfire. It was used in 1865 to test the effectiveness of shells against iron armour.

A 5½" Iron plate showing the effects of hits by solid projectiles. It was used in 1860 to test the effectiveness of projectiles fired from a 7" Breech Loading Gun. One of the projectiles remains embedded in the plate.

A 5½" Iron plate showing the effects of hits by solid projectiles. It was used in 1860 to test the effectiveness of projectiles fired from a 7" Breech Loading Gun. One of the projectiles remains embedded in the plate.

© Robert George Cordery (2005)