GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
JAPANESE TYPE 89 GRENADE DISCHARGER (DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE) (C&R).JAPANESETYPE 89 GRENADE DISCHARGER9251850MMMODERN; NFA; C&RCal. 50mm. 10" bbl. Good specimen of a Japanese type 89 grenade discharger often erroneously referred to as "knee mortar". This misnomer, derived from the curved baseplate which although intended to help set the mortar into the ground, was shaped such that a man might mistakenly think it could be braced against a leg. In the event of such a misuse the result would be grievous injury to the leg. This specimen retains the coil spring and keeper which would have original held a canvas cover to protect the action from dust or dirt; canvas cover is not present. One inert projectile is included, complete with hard Bakelite fuse plug at nose. Included prov is letter from son of WWII Veteran and copy of original amnesty 4467 with copy of letter sent by the registrant indicating Mortar was acquired in Borneo while registrant was serving in the Seabees. Also included are photocopies of letters sent by registrant to BATF in 1976 verifying serial number. Visible numbered parts appear matching. This is a National Firearms Act item and requires BATF approval for transfer. This item is fully transferable on an ATF form 3 or 4, as Curio and Relic eligible, as a Destructive Device (DD). CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is good with the majority of the bbl retaining a lustrous purple hued finish except there are areas of moderate to significant cratering, particularly around the ring of the base cup. Mechanics need attention. Firing mechanism has good tension and a positive "snap" when actuator is pulled, however, adjustment knob does not rotate screw within action. These Japanese mortars saw widespread use in the Pacific theater and were highly effective used as often as direct fire weapons at relatively close quarters as they were in an indirect fire role. A popular souvenir and particularly nice to find when it has not been deactivated by having a hole cut in the bbl. 52540-1 JWK77 (1,500-3,500)