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 that the detonator tip is missing. The top cap is also not currently removable. It still has the original paint markings indicating type and other information regarding the round. The paint markings are a bit faded from cleaning and wear, but still fully 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 nominal weight (marking is somewhat faded), while ++  1.5% to 2.5% over, and -- 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.

There is also an arsenal marking on the body of the round, which is dated after that: 5 八 十 昭. This marking is written right to left, and would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Hachi Nen (18th year of reign - 1943), probably the fifth month of May. 

The fuse is also marked with 八 八 式, indicating that is a Type 88 Fuze, and there is even a date on the fuse, 3 四 十 昭, for March 1939 (Showa 14). The parts were made separately, and not assembled until they were issued, so having different dates is normal.

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