Item Description
Original Items: One Set Only. The M68 kit was designed to familiarize personnel with the placement and arming of a real M18 Claymore directional mine. It comes with all the components of a real Claymore kit packed in an M7 bandoleer. The light blue or black plastic M33 Inert AP Mine is the training and practice version of the M18 Claymore. Some inert mines were green with a light blue band, such as this one. It does not contain an explosive or pyrotechnic filler of any kind. It is packed in a Claymore bag with inert M10 simulated detonator cap wire, an M57 "clacker" firing control, and an M40 circuit test kit.
This example is quite nice, and definitely has the look of a well-used piece of training equipment. The Mine itself looks possibly to have been made from a defective M18, as it can be seen where molded markings were removed, and M33 stamped in its place. There is also blue paint and "PRACTICE" and "INERT" marked on the back. It still retains the original support "legs", as well as the wire connectors.
A great piece of Vietnam Memorabilia!
The M18 Claymore is a directional anti-personnel mine used by the U.S. military. It was named after the large Scottish sword by its inventor; Norman A. MacLeod. Unlike a conventional land mine, the Claymore is command-detonated and directional, meaning it is fired by remote-control, or trip wire, shooting a pattern of metal balls into the kill zone like a shotgun. The Claymore fires steel balls, out to about 100 meters within a 60° arc in front of the device. It is used primarily in ambushes and as an anti-infiltration device against enemy infantry; just perfect to place on a desktop to keep unwanted visitors out of your office.