Original U.S. Deactivated M20 A1 B1 3.5 Inch Super Bazooka Rocket Launcher by Birtman with Two Inert Training Rockets and Portuguese Transit Chest
In stock
-
Original Item: Only One Set Available. This is a very impressive original U.S. military M20A1B1 3.5-inch “Super Bazooka” rocket launcher manufactured by Birtman Electric Company, complete with two inert M29A2 practice rockets, optical sight, technical manual, and a Portuguese-marked transit chest. Once considerably more common on the collector market, complete original U.S.-manufactured examples have become increasingly difficult to locate.
Unloaded or dummy grenades, artillery shell casings, and similar devices, which are cut or drilled in an BATF-approved manner so that they cannot be used as ammunition components for destructive devices, are not considered NFA weapons. This example is in total compliance and is NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.
The markings on the rear portion are still legible, and read:-
(Flaming Bomb)
LAUNCHER, ROCKET
3.5 INCH M20 A1 B1
SERIAL NO 236518
F7140681
BIRTMAN ELEC. CO.
It is in great shape, with the repainted finish still looking very nice. It features the original plastic grip featuring a moveable trigger, and fully functional safety. The trigger still dry-fires, and the loading lever at the rear still moves as well.
It comes complete with an original optical sight, which is in very good shape, and even retains the rubber eye cup, which is almost always missing! Light weight and assembles to approximately 60 inches in overall length.
The two included practice rounds are both stenciled, the first reading:
ROCKET, PRACTICE 3.5 INCH M29A2
LOT SRD 505-15 1-73
TEMP LIM -20F TO +120F
And the second reading:
ROCKET, PRACTICE 3.5 INCH M29A2
LOT 506-8 6-74
TEMP LIM -20F TO +120F
This dates them to January 1973 and June 1974, respectively. They retain their original blue color and complement the set well. Also included in the crate is a TM 9-1055-201-14B, a technical manual for the Launchers, Rocket, 3.5 Inch, M20A1 and M20A1B1. The front of the manual is marked for the HQ Company, 3rd Battalion, 91st Regiment (AIT) at 155 West Hedding Street, San Jose, California 95110. It is dated 1964 and has some great illustrations.
The launcher, two rockets, and technical manual are housed in a Portuguese marked transit chest, which measures approximately 38 1/2"L x 15"H x 15"W and fits the bazooka perfectly. It still has functional latches on the top, and is correctly stenciled on the lid with the Portuguese designation of the Bazooka:
LANÇA-FOGUETES
8,9cm M/954
8,9cm M/52
The top line translates to "Rocket launcher", while the lower line gives the bore diameter and model number.
The M20 “Super Bazooka” was developed as a more powerful successor to the wartime 2.36-inch bazooka family. Its larger 3.5-inch rocket greatly increased anti-armor capability while retaining the basic shoulder-fired recoilless rocket-launcher concept. Development began during the closing stages of WWII, but the weapon became most closely associated with the Korean War and subsequent Cold War service.
The M20A1 and M20A1B1 represented improved production variants, incorporating refinements to the launcher connection and simplifying construction. The lightweight M20A1B1 made extensive use of aluminum components, reducing weight while retaining the basic two-piece takedown arrangement.
This is a particularly complete display set, combining an original Birtman-manufactured M20A1B1 launcher, original optical sight with rubber eyecup, two dated inert M29A2 practice rockets, 1964 technical manual with unit marking, and Portuguese transit chest. The mix of U.S. manufacture, postwar training material, and Portuguese storage equipment gives the group excellent value as a study piece representing the long Cold War service life of the 3.5-inch Super Bazooka system.
- This product is not available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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).
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
