Page 338 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1666 Japanese Type 10 “Knee Mortar” Grenade Projector, Class III/NFA Destructive Device - Serial no. 11261, 2 inch , 9 inch round bbl., blue finish, metal stock. One of two compact grenade launchers used by Imperial Japanese armed forces in the Pacific Theater, the Type 10 was designed to be a lightweight, multi-function ordnance projector capable of launching smoke, flares, and grenades without needing a heavy baseplate or built up position like a full-sized mortar. Like the larger Type 89, it was dubbed the “knee mortar” due to a misunderstanding of the carry and use of the weapon (it was meant to hang from the belt beside the thigh/knee when carried in the field), reportedly causing some American troops to suffer injuries from bracing captured knee mortars against their legs when firing. Structurally the Type 10 is very similar to the Type 89, with an in-line design to the firing tube, manually actuated mechanism ending in a curved baseplate, and deployment at a fixed angle, though the Type 10 uses a smoothbore tube, has a detachable baseplate, and adjusts range via
a gas vent in the tube base instead of an adjustable rod that effectively shortens the tube in use. Additionally, the tube and gas mechanism can be detached, flipped around, and threaded into a collar at the base, reducing the overall length to about 11 3/4 inches and serving as a casing for the firing mechanism and baseplate. Matching numbers are present on the tube, gas system, firing mechanism and baseplate, with the tube numbered “14” in kanji and bearing the Nagoya Arsenal approval mark. CONDITION: Fine, with 95% percent of the restored blue finish, strongest on the tube with a mixed brown and gray patina on the firing mechanism and baseplate, and scattered mild spotting. The firing mechanism is in good order. NOTE: This Destructive Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
LOT 1667
Russian Model RM-38 Field Mortar, Class III/ NFA Destructive Device - Serial no. 4802, 50 mm , 22 inch round bbl., bright finish. A man-portable infantry mortar in the pattern of the Stokes Mortar, the RM-38 was designed to use gas venting instead of angle of fire to control range; while this gave the advantage of being able to fire through tighter apertures, it also introduced greater mechanical complexity to the mortar, and was abandoned in later models. The main tube is fitted with a gas restriction collar at the base and a leather handgrip just below the folding bipod. The bipod is fitted with a shock absorber assembly, adjustments for traversing the mortar and leveling the legs, and a mounting point for a sight (not included), and marked “1940r”. The baseplate is spiked on the bottom. CONDITION: Good overall, with mild spotting and handling marks on the bright steel tube and bipod assembly. The baseplate has turned a dark brown patina with traces of what may be a black enamel finish. The adjustment mechanisms appear to be in good order. NOTE: This Destructive Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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LOT 1668
Finnish Model 1941 47mm Mortar,
Class III/NFA Destructive Device - Serial
no. 47, 47 , 16 1/2 inch round bbl., blue
finish. Developed in 1941 and deployed
for the Continuation War (1942-1944), the
Model 1941 mortar was lightweight and
compact, capable of being carried into
action by a single infantryman. The 1941 is
fitted with an integrated bipod and a ground spike style baseplate, a simple leveling device for setting angle of fire, and a base bleed vent collar for range setting. The tube is marked “47”, with an assembly number of “45” on some components. A hardwood muzzle cover is included, with a riveted brass data plate.
CONDITION: Fine, with 50% of the blue finish, showing a mixed brown and gray patina overall, scattered handling marks, edge wear, and an aged patina on the brass components. The muzzle cover is cracked, with tearing in the leather. Mechanically untested, but the base bleed mechanism appears to be in good order. NOTE: This Destructive Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000