Description
Inert Fired 60mm M2 Mortar Fin Assembly with M32 Primer Assembly
This original U.S. 60mm M2 mortar fin assembly is a fired and fully inert component from classic American mortar ammunition. The steel assembly retains its spent ignition cartridge inside the central fin body. Light rust, firing residue, and service wear give this piece an authentic field-used appearance.
Identification and Features
The M2 fin assembly has eight stabilizing fins arranged around a hollow central body. The threaded upper end attached the assembly to the rear of a 60mm mortar projectile. Openings in the fin body allowed the ignition flash and expanding gas to reach the propellant increments carried around the tail. The remaining internal component is a fired ignition cartridge rather than an unburned propelling-charge increment.
Function of the Fin Assembly
The fins kept the mortar projectile stable and pointed forward during flight. The central body housed the ignition cartridge and primer, while clips around the fins held removable propellant increments. When the round was dropped into the mortar tube, the weapon’s firing pin struck the primer. The ignition cartridge then started the external propellant increments. This example has already been fired and is intended only for collection, study, restoration, or display.
Historical Applications
The M2 fin assembly was used with several U.S. 60mm mortar cartridges, including members of the M49 high-explosive and M50 target-practice families. These cartridges were fired from the M2 and M19 60mm mortars. Because the same basic tail and ignition arrangement could support several projectile types, the fin assembly became a common part of American 60mm mortar ammunition during World War II and the postwar period.
History of the M2 60mm Mortar
The U.S. M2 mortar was based on a French Brandt design and entered production around 1940. It gave infantry companies a portable source of high-angle indirect fire. The M2 saw extensive service during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Its simple construction, manageable weight, and useful range made it one of the best-known American light mortars of the twentieth century.
History of Use
A complete mortar round carried its fin assembly throughout flight and impact. Fired examples were often recovered with bent edges, surface oxidation, impact marks, and combustion residue. This surviving component shows the working construction of the M2 tail and preserves direct evidence of its original firing and recovery.
Condition
This is a fired and inert fin assembly with light rust, surface oxidation, firing residue, and general service wear. The spent ignition cartridge remains inside the fin body. Condition will vary because these are original military components that were fired and later recovered.
Approx length 2.5", Approx width 2.5", Approx height 2.5", Approx weight 0.5lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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