Original Item. Only One Available. This is a Japanese Type 97 57mm Tank Gun Projectile from World War II. It measures 11⅛” long with a 2¾” or 58mm base. The round has no fuse and instead has a spitzer top, the large projectile covering roughly 6” of the round’s length. This is a completely INERT example and is in compliance with the current BATF standards on inert ordnance. Not Available For Export.

The round is in very rough shape overall. Much of the original finish remains, about 60%. The number 5 is stamped in both English and Japanese, along with F and crossed cannons insignia. The size and shape of the projectile identify it as an AP Armor-Piercing round. A very rare piece of WWII Japanese ordnance ready for further research and display.

The Type 97 Chi-Ha tank was the most widely produced Japanese medium tank of the war, although the armor protection was average for a 1930s tank. The 57 mm main gun, designed for infantry support, was a carry over from the 1933 Type 89 medium tank. The gun was a short barrelled weapon with a relatively low muzzle velocity, which was sufficient for supporting the infantry. However, in 1939 during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol (Nomonhan) against Soviet BT Tanks, the gun proved to be insufficient against the Soviet armor, causing the Japanese Army to have heavy tank losses.

After Nomonhan, new tank guns were developed for the Chi-Ha with a calibre of 47 mm - less than 57 mm tank gun - but having a longer barrel, and better penetration than the Type 97 gun. From 1942 onwards, the Type 97 tanks were armed with the high velocity Type 1 47 mm tank gun in a new larger turret, and were designated the Type 97-Kai Shinhoto Chi-Ha.

This 57mm projectile is in very good condition and is mounted on a wood block underneath which is painted in white 57mm WWII GUAM JAP. This is a classic trophy of war brought back by an American soldier as a remembrance of his service during World War Two in the Pacific Theater of Operations.