Description
Inert 60mm M52 Dummy Point-Detonating Mortar Fuze
Item Overview
This inert 60mm M52 dummy fuze represents the M52 point-detonating mortar fuze used by the U.S. military. It is intended for collecting, study, training displays, and restoration projects. This example contains no functioning explosive train and is not a live fuze.
Identification and Features
The original M52 was a superquick point-detonating fuze designed for light mortar shells. Its threaded base allowed it to fit several members of the period “M” series of mortar ammunition.
- Model: M52
- Original service type: Point-detonating, superquick
- Offered configuration: Inert dummy or display fuze
- Primary 60mm applications: M49A2 high-explosive and M50A2 practice rounds
- Associated weapons: M2/M19 60mm mortars and M1 81mm mortar
- Original M52 housing: Aluminum
- Original service-fuze weight: Approximately 0.45 pound
- Status: Inert; no live explosive components
Original Service Function
The live M52 was designed to function when the nose of a mortar round struck the target. Its superquick action helped burst a light shell close to the point of impact, producing useful fragmentation above or near the ground. The original fuze included safety features intended to prevent the explosive train from aligning until after the round had left the mortar. This inert example preserves the general appearance of that service fuze without providing a working ignition or detonation system.
Ammunition and Weapon Applications
Army manuals list the M52 on the 60mm M49A2 high-explosive shell and M50A2 practice shell. These rounds were associated with the M2 and M19 mortar systems used by American infantry units. The fuze family was also fitted to selected 81mm mortar ammunition. The mortar round and weapon are not included.
M52-Series Variants
The original M52 used an aluminum housing. Later M52B1 and M52B2 versions introduced Bakelite components to reduce the need for strategic metal. The M52B1 had a Bakelite body and head, while the M52B2 combined a Bakelite body with an aluminum head. Materials, markings, finish, and small details may therefore vary among surviving examples.
Historical Background
The U.S. Army adopted the M2 60mm mortar before World War II from a design influenced by the French Brandt mortar. Its light weight allowed infantry units to carry useful indirect-fire support across difficult terrain. The M2 saw extensive service in Europe and the Pacific and remained in use during the Korean War. The lighter M19 joined the same general weapon family during the later war and postwar years. M52-fuzed ammunition formed part of the high-explosive and practice ammunition used to support these portable mortar systems.
Condition
This is an inert surplus display component. It may show scratches, dents, finish wear, oxidation, discoloration, tool marks, or other signs of age and storage. Markings, color, material, and minor construction details may vary. This listing is for one inert M52 dummy fuze only; a mortar shell, cartridge, container, and other accessories are not included unless specifically stated. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This inert fuze is well suited for collections and exhibits covering U.S. mortar ammunition, infantry weapons, and World War II or Korean War equipment.
- 60mm mortar collections
- M2 and M19 mortar displays
- World War II exhibits
- Korean War displays
- Inert ordnance collections
- Military museums and educational exhibits
Approx length 3.5", Approx width 2", Approx height 2", Approx weight .5 lbs.
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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