Original Item: Only One Set Available. Deactivated to BATF specifications and is totally inert and incapable of firing a round. The firing pin has been removed from the base cup, a half bore width hole made in the side of the base cup, a bore width hole made in the side of the tube, and a steel bar welded across the muzzle per BATF requirements. Not Available for Export.

This is a lovely genuine Portuguese 81mm M/937 non-functional BATF complaint inert display mortar, nearly identical to the U.S. M1 Mortar used by U.S. forces in WWII. This was of course heavily based on the French Brandt Mle 27/31 81mm mortar, which served as the prototype for mortar systems in many countries before, during, and after WWII.

It comes complete with an original bipod and baseplate, as well as some great U.S. Issued accessories. These include a tool roll with tools, a leather muzzle cover, an M4 Mortar Sight in the correct M81 carrying case, and a battery powered M33 light for night service. As it is nearly identical to the M1 Mortar, with these accessories it would look great as part of any WWII Display.

The M1 81mm mortar was the largest weapon in the arsenal of the U.S. WWII infantry battalion. It provided the battalion commander with a powerful and flexible indirect fire capability. Sometimes called \”infantry artillery,\” or \”hip pocket artillery,\” mortars were capable of quickly laying down heavy barrages. These could stop enemy attacks under the worst conditions. Able to fire at high angles, mortars could fire at targets in defilade, either under direction of a forward observer, or firing off map coordinates. In the WW2 Pacific campaigns, these weapons became an important part of the battalion\’s firepower, especially since they could be man-packed into positions that were inaccessible to artillery.

This lovely set consists of:

– Original Portuguese M/937 WWII Type Adjustable Bipod. The bipod is in lovely condition, and as far as we can tell is fully functional. This model in particular was used heavily during the filming of \”The Pacific\”, as original U.S. mortars were not available, while the Portuguese type were plentiful on the market. It still has the original data plate, which reads:-

MORTEIRO I.8 M/937
B. P. 576

At the top of the plate is the Portuguese ordnance symbol. It does still have the bubble level but it was painted over, so we cannot see if it is still functional.

– Original WWII style 81mm Mortar Barrel Tube. This steel tube is unmarked, as they often were, and any markings on the base cup were scrubbed, so we are not able to tell which country manufactured it. It is the correct thickness steel with the tapered bevel on the top, so it is definitely a real tube.

– Original U.S. WWII type SIGHT, M4, for the 81mm mortar. As best we can tell it is fully functional, adjustable for both range and windage, and both bubble levels are intact. It clips correctly into the top of the bipod, an comes complete with the correct CASE, CARRYING M 81. Both are in great shape

– Original U.S. WWII type LIGHT, INSTRUMENT, M33 battery powered light for mortar sights and other instruments. We have not been able to test it to see if it is functional.

A U.S. style tool roll with a grease applicator, chuck style clamp, and cleaning brush is also included.

These weapons are most unusual for the collectors market, and have been stored in Government Arsenals until their recent release. This is a lovely example that would look great as part of any WWII collection.

Comes more than ready to display!