Original Item: Only One Available. Totally inert and demilitarized according to BATF guidelines with hollow body and inert fuse. This mortar round cannot be converted to an explosive devise and is not available for export.

This is a totally genuine United States military WWII produced SHELL, M56, with the correct aluminum base fins and propellant charge. The other grenade still has the original cap used to protect the fuse cavity before it would be armed. the round still has a lot of the original OD green paint on the exterior, though unfortunately the stamped paint markings on the body have completely worn away. We were able to identify it using a list of WWII 81mm Mortar projectiles.

The M56 was the heaviest of the US military 81mm types used during WWII, with an overall weight of 16 lbs with a maximum range of 1,300 yards. The round was effective against both personnel and materiel in the field. It is used against dugouts, barricades, and underground structures where a mining action is desired. This shell is a much more effective one than the M45 due to the fact that it contains approximately 40 percent explosive filler as compared to 30 percent explosive filler of the M45. The greater the percentage of explosive filler, without sacrificing the penetrating ability of the shell body, the more effective is the shell when used for mining effect.

The inert shell measures 21 inches long, with a diameter just under 81mm.

Perfect for any WWII ordnance display!