Beschreibung:

Extremely popular World War II Finnish mortar which utilizes 12 gauge blank cartridges as propellent charges utilizing an innovative spring firing pin and lanyard system. A removable “chamber” holds the blank cartridge at a 90-degree angle to the bore line. The removable chamber is locked into place within the mortar by rotating it into a threaded locking “keyway” in the same manner that breechblocks lock up in many early centerfire cannon. The removable chamber is perforated on the sides as is the receptacle it locks into. A plate that pulls the firing pin back against spring pressure when the lanyard is rapidly pulled back releases the firing pin and the cartridge is detonated. The expanding gas pressure from the detonation within the chamber pushes the projectile out of the muzzle of the mortar. Very ingenious! No need for any propellant charge in or on projectile itself! This cataloger has commonly seen repurposed soup cans packed with concrete, or sand and resin glue utilized as projectiles at recreational shooting events. Often times with firework pull string smoke canisters as the payload. Originally these mortars were used during World War II to project smoke projectiles. 161 of this particular model were in the Finnish inventory in June of 1940. The design was devised as expedient to providing different charges of propellent for projectiles without having to attach additional propellent charges to the projectiles themselves. It was also easier to keep boxes of 12 gauge blank cartridges out of the weather than crates of 81mm projectiles themselves. The bottom of the tube is banded in the manner of a Parrot rifle to strengthen the chamber area, but even so, these mortars were designed only for light projectiles. Serial numbers match between the tube and the reinforced base, but not firing mechanism which would need to be fitted. 2 bipod assemblies total are included with only one center shaft present, with a U.S. style baseplate present. NFA registry indicates “FRANCE” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine as repainted with some spots of light surface corrosion from storage. Smoothbore was also repainted at the same time and is clean. Firing mechanism spring is weak, but otherwise functional. It is obvious this mortar has not been fired in a long time, perhaps not since World War II. Tube is slightly bulged forward of chamber. Any who have seen these in action at the range know how easy, and how much fun they are to shoot. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE. JWK 2021-11-038 Name Value Accessories Barrel Length 33" Caliber/Bore 81mm FFL Status Destructive Device Manufacturer Finland Model Chemical Mortar Paperwork Sear Serial Number Serial Number 2298