Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. WWII Corps of Engineers 1 pound TNT demolition block, now completely empty and totally inert. Blocks of this type were used by U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps engineers and demolition personnel for combat demolition work, obstacle removal, and other explosive tasks.

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 totally inert. NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.

The block measures approximately 7 x 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 inches and retains its original heavy cardboard outer body with both metal end caps present.

This example appears never to have been rigged or prepared for use. Following removal of the explosive contents, the body was closed again with a solid end cap, leaving the exterior substantially complete for display.

The principal markings remain approximately 90 percent visible and are still easily readable:

HIGH EXPLOSIVE
TNT
1 POUND NET
CORPS OF ENGINEERS, U.S.A.
DANGEROUS

The reverse is marked:

FOR FRONT LINE DEMOLITION ONLY.
NOT TO BE USED FOR GENERAL BLASTING.
DO NOT USE UNDERGROUND OR IN ENCLOSED
SPACES BECAUSE OF POISONOUS FUMES.

These warnings clearly show that this was intended as a military demolition charge rather than a general purpose commercial blasting product.

Period engineer manuals such as FM 5-31, Boobytraps and Landmines, described the employment of TNT demolition blocks with various firing devices and fuzes, including delay, release, and pressure operated arrangements. TNT blocks were simple, compact demolition charges that could be adapted to a wide variety of field engineering tasks.

Condition is good overall considering the nature of the item. The exterior paper shows staining, age toning, and some rippling, while both metal end caps display heavy oxidation and rust. The printed markings remain unusually complete and legible despite the wear.

Original demolition explosives were normally consumed in service or later destroyed, so intact empty packaging such as this is much less commonly encountered than ordinary field equipment. The strong surviving Corps of Engineers markings, complete cardboard body, and both end caps make this a particularly interesting WWII U.S. ordnance display piece.

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).