Item Description
Original Item. Only One Available. This is incredibly rare! A genuine August 1953 produced Mark 9 Model 4 USN depth charge. This is only the 2nd Mark 9 depth charge we have offered, and this one is in great restored condition, and would be great for use as a table with a piece of glass placed on top.
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.
This example is stamped on one of the fins:
DEPTH CHARGE CASE
MK-9 MOD-4
INSP. (ANCHOR)
ALLIANCE WARE. INC.
ALLIANCE, OHIO.
DATE OF MFG.
8-53
SERIAL NO.
413561
This indicates manufacture in August of 1953 by Alliance Wear Incorporated. This example appears to have been repainted in its original gray color, likely covering up the rusting that took place over decades in storage. The markings are still clear, however, and it’s now in fantastic displayable condition. There are some areas of wear, and along the edges that connect to the ground, the paint has worn away and some oxidation has come through. The entire charge measures 27½” tall with an overall diameter of roughly 17½”. It is still very heavy, but certainly not as heavy as it once was.
During World War II, the USA built a total of 622,128 depth charges of all types between December 1941 and September 1945. This figure does not include Hedgehog, Mousetrap and experimental units not placed in service use. Over half of these depth charges were still on hand at the end of hostilities.
In the first few months of the war only 5 percent of all depth charge attacks were successful. Normal combat conditions reduced that figure to 3 percent. Combat records showed that in early 1942 the lethal probability of a single depth charge pattern (barrage) was about 3 percent and five attacks would raise the chance of a kill to about 10 percent. The possibility of inflicting significant damage to a submarine was about 30 percent after five attacks. By the end of 1943, better weapons and tactics had improved these figures such that about 30 percent of all detected submarines suffered at least some damage and 20 percent were killed. By the last year of the war, at least 35 percent of all submarines attacked were being damaged while 30 percent were killed. In mid-1944, the USN was claiming an 8 percent kill rate with a single Hedgehog pattern. By the middle of 1945, that figure had risen to 10 percent.
This is a tremendous Korean War era Navy depth charge which has been impeccably restored, and would look fantastic as the base for a glass table or just displayed as is. Comes ready for further research and display!
- This product is not available for international shipping.
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).
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
