Item Description
Original Item: Only One Set Available. This is not a Spanish made copy, this is a genuine US made WWII dated M2 mortar tube with bipod and base plate, in excellent condition. We have never had a set with an original tube previously. It comes complete with "all the trimmings": a deactivated round in storage tube, an M4 Collimator Sight in leather case, and even an "Acquired" British-made mortar tool roll. These are nearly impossible to find, especially with fully intact markings and WWII Dates!!
The U.S. M2 60 mm mortar was developed from the heavier 81 mm M1 Mortar to provide a lighter-weight alternative to company-level fire support. The M2 attempted to bridge the gap between the 81 mm mortar and the hand grenade. Normally employed by the weapons platoon of a U.S. infantry company, the M2 is of the usual mortar pattern of the day. It consists of a smoothbore metal tube on a rectangular baseplate, supported by a simple bipod with the elevation and traverse mechanisms. The firing pin was fixed in the base cap of the tube, and the bomb was fired automatically when it dropped down the barrel. Though classed as a light mortar, the M2 had considerable range compared to the 50 mm and 60 mm mortars of most other nations, and its fixed-firing pin design allowed a high rate of fire by trained crews. The M2 Mortar was used throughout World War II by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
Our non-firing display Mortar is offered in excellent condition. Unlike previous offerings, this has an original tube, demilitarized to BATF specifications, with a bore-width hole in the side and welded-in cross pins. It also features an original WWII dated adjustable M5 bipod mount and original base plate. The T&E mechanism works perfectly, the leg angle adjustment works correctly, the data plate is legible, and the original leather transport closure strap is intact. We have never had one of these in such fantastic complete condition and don't expect to see one again anytime soon.
The base cup is maker marked and dated:
MORTAR, 60MM. M2 NO.65727 ORD. DEPT. U.S.A.
FIRESTONE T.&P. CO. 1945 11.5LBS INSP E.A.L.
A data plate on the bipod reads-
MOUNT, MORTAR
60MM. M5, NO. 4619
ORD. DEPT. U.S.A.
READ CO 1945
INSP. A.D.K.
Included with the set is an original WWII issue M4 Collimator Sight as depicted in FM 23-90. This sight was also used on the US 81mm mortar. By laying the sight on aiming stakes, the mortar squad could fire indirect missions. The open sight allowed the squad to fire direct lay missions. The sight is in very good condition with an intact bubble level, and also comes with the original leather carry case.
The sight is marked:
SIGHT, M4
SERIAL NO. 140390
Also included to fill out the set are these great accessories:
- Inert deactivated M49A2 Bomb with an original deactivated tail assembly. It comes in an original transit tube, which is marked on the top. The bomb itself is marked, and even has a manufacture date of 2 - 5 - 1943. It can be disassembled for inspection.
- A British-Issue Canadian-Made khaki canvas mortar tool roll. This also has a spot for the M4 sight, as well as various tools that would be needed to service the mortar. These tools are unfortunately missing, however the roll still has a great look empty. It is also dated 1945 on the canvas.
This is truly a remarkable set, and would make a great centerpiece to any WWII collection. Ready to display!
- This product is not available for international shipping.
- 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).
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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