Description
Inert 60mm M49A3 Mortar Round with M52B1 Nose Fuze and M2 Tail Fin
Item Overview
This inert 60mm M49A3 mortar round includes an M52B1 Bakelite nose fuze and M2 tail fin assembly. Offered as a non-firing collectible, it brings together the main external components of a U.S. light mortar round. Its distinctive shape makes it a useful addition to inert ordnance collections, military exhibits, and educational displays.
M49A3 Projectile History
The M49A3 was a later development of the American M49-series high-explosive mortar cartridge. Army ammunition data sheets record its standard classification in 1969, during the Vietnam War era. Unlike the forged-steel M49A2, the M49A3 used a cast pearlitic malleable iron body, a type of cast iron selected for ammunition production. The original live cartridge provided blast and fragmentation effects in support of infantry. This offered example is inert.
M52B1 Nose Fuze and M2 Tail Fin
The M52B1 belonged to the M52 family of superquick point-detonating mortar fuzes. In live service, this type was designed to act promptly on impact. Its Bakelite body and head distinguished it from the aluminum M52 and reduced the use of metal. Bakelite is an early molded plastic. At the rear, the M2 fin assembly gave the service projectile stability in flight and provides the recognizable finned profile of this display round.
Configuration Reference
This listing describes the offered combination of an M49A3 projectile, M52B1 nose fuze, and M2 tail fin. Army Technical Manual TM 43-0001-28 lists the M2 fin for the M49A3, but identifies M525-series or M717 service fuzes. Earlier manuals document the M52B1 with M49A2 ammunition. The offered assembly should therefore be understood as an inert display configuration, not a claim that this fuze combination was standard M49A3 service issue.
Associated Mortars and Service History
Army manuals identify the M2 and M19 60mm mortars as weapons for M49A3 ammunition. Adopted in 1938 from a French Brandt-derived design, the M2 gave infantry portable, high-angle fire support. It served in Europe and the Pacific during World War II and continued in use during the Korean and Vietnam wars. The lighter M19 was another American 60mm mortar using this ammunition family. These weapons could support troops across terrain where heavier weapons were difficult to move. The M49A3 represents a later chapter in that history, rather than an original World War II cartridge variant.
Condition and Included Components
This listing is for one inert M49A3 mortar round with the specified M52B1 nose fuze and M2 tail fin. Finish, markings, and condition may vary between inventory examples. A mortar weapon, ammunition container, and other accessories are not included unless specifically stated. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Approx length 9", Approx width 2.5", Approx height 2.5", Approx weight 2.7lbs.
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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