Original Item: Only One Available. This mortar round is totally non-functional and inert, having been deactivated according to specifications outlined by the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). It is totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive devise.

This is a very good condition rare example of the Japanese Type 100 HE Mortar Round used with the Type 97 (1937) and later the Type 99 small trench mortar. This is based on the Stokes-Brandt design, as was the U.S. 81mm, and this round was actually interchangeable with the U.S. M43A1 shell.

The Japanese Type 100 round had a maximum range of about 3,000 yards. Loaded weight: ~3kg (6.9lbs) of which 1 pound was TNT. This round is complete, except there are some internal components missing from the fuze, though the top portion does unscrew completely. The top portion of the body and fins are also not currently removable. It still has the original paint markings indicating type and other information regarding the round. The paint markings are faded from cleaning and wear, but still mostly legible.

The stenciled text with translations reads-
Left column:
100 式 - 100 Shiki (Type / Model)
Right column:
九 七 曲 歩 - Kyuu Nana Kyoku Ho (97 Infantry Mortar)

Kyoku Ho is the abbreviation of "Kyokusha Hoheiho", which the IJA called the infantry mortar. It has another stencil indicating the weight specification. There are 5 possible markings for this: ++   +    +/-    -     --    

- as this example is marked indicates 0.5 - 1.5% under weight (marking is somewhat faded), while ++ means 1.5% to 2.5% over, and -- means 1.5% to 2.5% under.

Evidently this was to make up for variations in manufacturing variables. These weight indicators would be taken into account when aiming, to obtain the desired ballistics. Also the range could be adjusted by wrapping weights around the tail fins.

The main body of the projectile as well as the fuze bolster are both marked 1429. There is also an arsenal marking on the body of the round, which is dated after that: 10 七 十 昭. This marking is written right to left, and would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Nana Nen (17th year of reign - 1942), probably the eight month of August.  The fuze assembly is marked with the same year, but is marked with 7 for the month of July. The parts were made separately, so this is normal.

This piece would make a great addition to any WWII Ordnance collection. Ready to display!