Original Items: Only One Available. These are extremely rare, and this is the first example we have seen of a Japanese Type 10 Knee Mortar in many years! It is totally non-functional and inert having been demilled according to specifications outlined by the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). The tube has been drilled with a bore-width hole, had a steel pin welded in place in the bore to prevent loading, and had the trigger rendered inoperable per BATF regulations to deactivate. Not Available for Export.

The Type 10 Grenade Discharger inaccurately and colloquially known as a knee mortar by Allied forces, is a Japanese grenade launcher or light mortar that was first developed in 1921, and was widely used in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II. It had been superseded by the Type 89 mortar in 1929, however it was lighter and more suitable for other purposes. It also collapsed into a much more portable format than the type 89, as the stalk / firing mechanism can be removed from the barrel. The base plate also removes from the stalk, along with a screw on cover for the barrel, which is then used to store the stalk inside of the barrel. This effectively halves the length of the mortar!

This truly excellent example is beautifully marked with serial number 4239 that is matched the barrel, the barrel base, and on the support shaft. It also has the full serial number on the trigger, and base plate. It also is even DATED on the tube, reading 昭 七 next to the arsenal stamp. This would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Ni Nen (7th year of reign - 1932).

The mortar appears to have been repainted at one point. All mechanics appear to be functional, but it has had a bore-width hole added and a cross bar welded across the bore in place per BATF regulations to be deactivated. The trigger still pulls, however the range control is where the cross pin is, so it no longer moves. The barrel still can be removed by pulling back the small lock and unscrewing the barrel assembly, and the base plate and cover can be removed from the range adjustment by pressing in the small button on the bottom. Unfortunately, due to the cross pin, the mortar tube barrel can no longer fit over the body and have the cover screw in place. It is still a great example of this very rare ordnance piece from WWII, complete with a date!

A great rare item to add to your Pacific War collection. Ready to display!

History of the Type 10 Knee Mortar-

The Type 10 grenade discharger (十年式擲弾筒 Juu-nen-shiki tekidantō) was a Japanese smoothbore, muzzle loaded weapon used during the Second World War. It first entered service in 1921. The Type 10 has a range of 175 meters, greater than other grenade dischargers of that time. It had a range control device at the base of the barrel in the form of a graduated thimble by which a gas port at the base of the tube could be varied in size. For shorter ranges, part of the propellant gases escape to the side. Due to a translation error, the Type 10 was called the "knee mortar" by the Americans. The manual for the mortar instructed the troops to carry the mortar on the upper thigh, with the base plate attached to the belt and the barrel running down the thigh. It must be understood that it was not strapped or secured directly to the thigh, but hung from the belt. It was also carried strapped to the backpack. American troops on Guadalcanal became aware of the name "knee mortar" and thought the light design allowed it to be fired with the base plate resting on the thigh. If the Type 10 were fired in this manner, it would result in serious injury due to recoil. However, once a few troops injured themselves, the mistranslation was discovered and further experimentation discouraged.

Contemporary US intelligence thought that the weapon was primarily used to discharge flares, the heavier Type 89 Grenade Discharger being used to fire explosive rounds instead.

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).