Item Description
Original Item: Only one available. Deactivated in accordance with BATF guidance to make this a non-functional non-firing display launcher.
The Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank (PIAT) was a British anti-tank weapon developed during the Second World War. The PIAT was designed in response to the British Army's need for a more effective hand-held infantry anti-tank weapon. It consisted of a steel tube, a trigger mechanism and firing spring, and was based on the spigot mortar system; instead of using a propellant to directly fire a round, the spring was cocked and tightened. When the trigger was pulled, it released the spring that pushed the spigot forward into the rear of the bomb. This detonated the propellant in the bomb itself, which was then thrown forward off the spigot. It possessed an effective range of approximately 100 yards (90 m).
This system meant that the PIAT had several advantages, which included a lack of muzzle smoke to reveal the position of the user, the ability to fire it from inside buildings, and an inexpensive barrel. The PIAT entered service in 1943, and was first used during the Allied invasion of Sicily that year; it remained in use with British and Commonwealth forces until the early 1950s, when it was replaced by the American bazooka. A large number of PIATs were supplied to the Soviet Union through Lend Lease, and it was also used by the French resistance and the Polish Underground. The Israeli Haganah used PIATs during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Six members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces received Victoria Crosses whilst using the PIAT in combat.
We believe this PIAT to be WWII production. It is in very good condition, deactivated to BATF specifications to make it totally inert and non-firing. The front and rear sight assemblies are fully functional, with the more accurate level sight on the rear complete and easily adjustable, which still has the bubble level, and it is actually still functional, although its housing is a tiny bit bent! It is marked with serial number IC/A 8206 on the front by the rocket retainer / locating guides.
This example came to us with the original shoulder stock, which is also what is used to cock the launcher, which contains a HUGE spring. The spring has been removed, and it is the original stock, not a fabricated replacement.
The launcher still has the original WWII issue paint, which has now matured to give it a lovely look. It even still has some of the white stripe along the top! Many of these were stripped and repainted with an ugly "Christmas tree green" post war, but this one was not! There are also some areas where the original red primer coat can still be seen where the paint has chipped. There is a cork stopper to keep dirt out of the interior, and it looks to be the original! The original monopod is present and in good shape with original paint, and the launcher still has the insert in the front for the smaller SHOT, Practice/A.T. practice rounds, which had a much smaller diameter.
The included PIAT round is totally inert and demilitarized according to BATF guidelines with a hollow body and inert fuse. It is a very nice example of a rare British WWII PIAT Anti-Tank Bomb Launcher HEAT (high explosive anti-tank) "Bomb" round. It has a lovely olive drab paint job with two black stripes and a large green stripe on the body, though the paint is relatively worn. It has a great look to it, and still can be disassembled to show the internal shape charge cone.
The round is marked on the head with:
9/44
LOT
2036
This dates the round to September 1944, a great wartime date!
Once a common find among collectors, PIATs in excellent condition such as this one are very difficult to find in today's military collectors market, especially with the inert round! Ready to display!
- This product is not available for international shipping.
Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.
All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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