Item Description
Original Item: Only one available. Deactivated in accordance with BATF guidance to make this a non-functional non-firing display.
The Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank (PIAT) was a British anti-tank weapon developed during the Second World War. The PIAT was designed in response to the British Army's need for a more effective hand-held infantry anti-tank weapon. It consisted of a steel tube, a trigger mechanism and firing spring, and was based on the spigot mortar system; instead of using a propellant to directly fire a round, the spring was cocked and tightened. When the trigger was pulled, it released the spring that pushed the spigot forward into the rear of the bomb. This detonated the propellant in the bomb itself, which was then thrown forward off the spigot. It possessed an effective range of approximately 100 yards (90 m).
This system meant that the PIAT had several advantages, which included a lack of muzzle smoke to reveal the position of the user, the ability to fire it from inside buildings, and an inexpensive barrel. The PIAT entered service in 1943, and was first used during the Allied invasion of Sicily that year; it remained in use with British and Commonwealth forces until the early 1950s, when it was replaced by the American bazooka. A large number of PIATs were supplied to the Soviet Union through Lend Lease, and it was also used by the French resistance and the Polish Underground. The Israeli Haganah used PIATs during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Six members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces received Victoria Crosses whilst using the PIAT in combat.
We believe this PIAT to be WWII production. It is in very good condition, deactivated to BATF standards to make it totally inert and non-firing. Both the front and rear sight are intact, and still flip up, though the rear sight is somewhat stiff. It is marked with serial number ICB 26671 on the front by the rocket retainer.
The launcher looks to have been painted with the correct olive paint recently, probably replacing the "Christmas Tree Green" we often see these in. It still has the canvas end cover, as well as the canvas sleeve around the rear, with replaced lacing. The original monopod is present and in good shape, and it still has the insert in the front for the smaller rounds. The cork "stopper" chain and base are present, but the cork is long gone.
Once a common find among collectors, PIATs in excellent condition such as this one are very difficult to find in today's military collectors market. Ready to display!
- This product is not available for international shipping.
- Deactivated and Inert to BATF standards to make it a non-gun. 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. Every display machinegun and machine gun parts set and gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
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