Original Item. Only One Available. This is a U.S. military M19 non-metallic anti-tank blast mine, complete with its removable M606 pressure fuze and marked INERT for display. Introduced during the Cold War and associated with the Vietnam War era, the M19 was designed to disable heavy armored and wheeled vehicles through the explosive force of a charge housed within a largely plastic casing [approx. 13” x 13” x 3”]

The mine features its distinctive square olive-drab plastic body with rounded corners and a large circular pressure plate at the center. The removable M606 fuze has a ribbed upper surface, central setting knob, and yellow-painted S (Safe) and A (Armed) indicators. One side of the casing bears a prominent yellow INERT stencil.

The M606 fuze retains its molded identification:

FUZE MINE
AT NM M606

A further molded inscription begins with PARTS MFR BY, although the remaining characters are indistinct. The fuze can be removed from its central housing and retains its dark rubber sealing gasket. The mine also has the characteristic secondary fuze opening on the side of the casing.

Condition is good overall, with visible age, handling, and storage wear. The olive-drab plastic has developed an uneven, weathered appearance, with scattered abrasions, scratches, discoloration, and surface dirt. The circular pressure plate shows localized cracking and damage along its outer edge, while the casing has additional minor edge wear. The molded identification remains legible, and the yellow INERT marking retains good visibility. The carrying cord is absent.

This item is offered strictly as a historical collectible for display. Under ATF guidance, unloaded or dummy ordnance that has been permanently cut, drilled, or otherwise deactivated in an ATF-approved manner, preventing its use as a destructive-device ammunition component, is not considered a weapon under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.

Historical Context

The M19, officially designated Mine, Antitank: High Explosive, Nonmetallic, M19, was developed as part of the U.S. Army's Cold War anti-armor program. Its design addressed an important problem in mine warfare: the increasing ability of military engineers to locate buried explosives using magnetic detection equipment.

By constructing nearly the entire mine from plastic, including its M606 fuze, American ordnance designers greatly reduced its metallic signature. This made the M19 particularly difficult to locate with conventional magnetic mine detectors, complicating the work of combat engineers tasked with clearing minefields.

In its original service configuration, the M19 weighed approximately 28 pounds (12.7 kg) and contained around 21 pounds (9.5 kg) of Composition B, a military explosive consisting primarily of RDX and TNT. The main charge was supplemented by a booster assembly, and the weapon was intended to inflict a mobility kill by damaging a vehicle's tracks, wheels, or running gear.

The M606 was a specially designed mechanical pressure fuze that formed an integral part of the M19 system. Its mechanism employed Belleville springs, which are conical spring washers capable of producing a rapid mechanical action when subjected to sufficient force. The assembly was designed to respond to the considerable weight of a passing military vehicle, with an operating pressure generally specified at approximately 350 to 500 pounds.

The central setting knob allowed the fuze to be placed in its designated Safe or Armed position, while a separate safety clip was provided as an additional precaution during handling and transportation. The circular pressure plate distributed the applied load to the internal firing mechanism.

The M19 also incorporated two secondary fuze wells, positioned on the side and underside of the casing. These could accommodate additional firing devices, including anti-handling arrangements intended to discourage the disturbance or removal of an emplaced mine. Such provisions were an established part of military mine design, particularly where engineers sought to make an obstacle difficult for opposing forces to clear.

During the Vietnam War, land mines formed part of the wider system of obstacles and defensive measures employed by American and allied forces. Anti-tank mines were intended for routes accessible to enemy vehicles, including roads, crossings, and approaches to defended positions. Minefields could impede an advance, interfere with transportation, and channel vehicles toward areas covered by defensive weapons.

In Vietnam, the extensive use of mines and other explosive devices also created serious hazards for military personnel and civilians. The difficult terrain, heavy vegetation, and changing control of roads and surrounding areas complicated mine detection and clearance. These dangers frequently persisted after military operations had ended.

The M19 continued in American military inventories throughout the later Cold War period and remained covered by U.S. Army ordnance and engineer manuals for decades. Its long service life reflected the continuing military importance of low-metallic anti-tank mines, particularly as improvements in mine detection and clearance equipment influenced the development of new defensive weapons.

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).