May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Designed by the French after learning of usefulness of having a compact, portable, and versatile mortar during WWI, it was only after many delays that the model was approved in 1937. Only 2900 were produced in time to be employed in the French army against the German invasion of 1940, and the serial number of this piece indicates it is one of these. These pieces were in use post-WWII as well, even including use by the Viet Cong in Vietnam. Whatever the VC could get their hands from former colonial masters they did. This mortar is capable of delivering intermediate firepower quickly and accurately at short to intermediate ranges. As with the Japanese Type 89 grenade discharger (“knee” mortar), it can be rapidly emplaced and used as a direct fire weapon as well as an indirect fire weapon. This is an amnesty registered specimen and the original amnesty paperwork is included with this lot. It required only the fabrication of a new firing pin to restore it to operational condition as it is now. Marked on the left side of the tube with model and serial number, this piece is really in fine condition, with the knobs and latches moving freely with appropriate tension. Even the leveling bubble is intact and serviceable. Electronic NFA registry indicates “GERMANY” as the manufacturer. This can be requested for correction upon transfer. PROVENANCE: Original Amnesty Registration paperwork. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent original black painted finish with some loss of finish where the paint has been scraped away on the tube and at some of the high points. The bore is quite clean with some scattered pinprick corrosion. Mechanics are crisp. A wonderful little mortar which will display well, or which could be taken to the range after one fabricated some appropriate projectiles. It has the virtue of being of genuine WWII vintage. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE AND IS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2024-05-011.
FFL Status
Destructive Device
Paperwork
Amnesty Registration Form