U.S.
M52 Series Point Detonation Mortar Fuze, WWII | |
At left is the fuze ready to use. The curved wire safety pin locks the set-back pin "A" in position.
That, in turn, retains the bore safety "B" which keeps the primer (red) off center, clear of the firing pin . |
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In the Hollywood movie, "Saving Private Ryan", there is a battle scene where
60mm mortar rounds are used as improvised hand grenades, manually armed by
striking the bottom of the round, hard, against a steel plate. (Function position "A" above.) Fakes & Forgeries As found elsewhere on this web site, the subject of "fakes" is discussed when there is a prevalence of misrepresented items on the market which is causing confusion among collectors. This is unfortunately the case with the 60mm M49A2 HE round. Apparently someone has produced a number of shells from parts, repainted and restenciled them. These first showed up on places like eBay (back in the day when they didn't ban this sort) presented as vintage pieces, in original condition. They appear to have the same LOT number "WC-6-36", and have been observed painted yellow or green. None had the wire increment clips on the tail. Newly Painted and Re-Stenciled M49A2 Rounds | |
22.03.20 |