Original Item: Only One Available. This mortar round is totally non-functional and inert, having been deactivated according to specifications outlined by the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). It is totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device and is not available for export.

This is a very good condition, rare example of the Japanese Type 100 HE Mortar Round used with the Type 97 (1937) and later the Type 99 small trench mortar. This is based on the Stokes-Brandt design, as was the U.S. 81mm, and this round was actually interchangeable with the U.S. M43A1 shell.

The Japanese Type 100 round had a maximum range of about 3,000 yards. Loaded weight: ~3kg (6.9lbs) of which 1 pound was TNT. This round is complete with an impact fuse, though it is not currently removable. The bottom fins / propellant charge is also not able to be removed. It still has the original black paint with a yellow stripe, though the original markings are a bit faint.

The stenciled text one one side reads (with translations):
Left column:
100 式 - 100 Shiki (Type / Model)
Right column:
九 七 曲 歩 - Kyuu Nana Kyoku Ho (97 Infantry Mortar)

Kyoku Ho is the abbreviation of "Kyokusha Hoheiho", which the IJA called the infantry mortar. It has another stencil indicating the weight specification. There are 5 possible markings for this: ++ + +/- - -- + as this example is marked indicates 0.5 - 1.5% over weight while ++ 1.5% to 2.5% over, and -- 1.5% to 2.5% under.

Evidently this was to make up for variations in manufacturing variables. These weight indicators would be taken into account when aiming, to obtain the desired ballistics.
There is also a faint arsenal marking on the body of the round, which is a faded date after that: 六 十 昭. This marking is written right to left, and would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Roku Nen (16th year of reign - 1941). There may be additional markings, but they are unfortunately obscured by the paint or worn away.

The fuse is also marked with 八 八 式, indicating that is a Type 88 Fuze, and there is even a date on the fuse, 5 四 十 昭, for May 1939 (Showa 14). The parts were made separately, and not assembled until they were issued, so having different dates is normal.

This piece would make a great addition to any WWII Ordnance collection. Ready to display!

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).