Developed in 1942, the PIAT (Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank) was the British answer to the American "Bazooka" line of weapons, an infantry-carried weapon to launch shaped charge warheads with greater penetrating power than prior anti-tank guns, restoring the threat concealed infantry posed to enemy armor as tank technology outpaced the ballistic anti-tank rifles in use at war's start. In contrast to the rocket launching bazooka, the PIAT was a giant spigot mortar, with a rod powered by a very heavy spring plunging into a round to strike a booster charge, which would both launch the round and reset the striker rod for the next shot. This design had pros and cons; the weapon was heavy, relatively fragile, and difficult to charge for the first shot, but had a greatly reduced firing signature, no rocket backblast, and could be rapidly fired so long as the rod was reset by the rounds fired. While eventually retired in favor of rocket-based weaponry, the PIAT was a strong tool in the British infantry arsenal through the end of the 1940s. Integrated into the body are a set of flip up post front and 3-peep rear sights for direct fire operation, and a spirit level equipped indirect fire sight for both high and low angle fire, with a maximum listed range of 375 yards. Also fitted with a plastic pistol grip, an adjustable front monopod and a steel buttplate that doubles as the charging mechanism for the internal spring. One inert round is included.

Fine, with 75% of the green paint finish, showing areas of wear, exposed steel/primer in some areas, and mild handling marks. The round holder shows some dents and deformation, but generally retains shape. The item has not been mechanically tested, but the sights, trigger and safety appear to be in good order. NOTE: This item had previously been registered with the BATFE as a NFA "destructive device", but has since been de-listed; it is a curio & relic firearm by GCA definitions, but no longer considered a firearm by NFA definitions.