Description
Inert 60mm M52B1 Bakelite Point-Detonating Mortar Fuze
Item Overview
This inert 60mm M52B1 Bakelite fuze represents the point-detonating mortar fuze used by the U.S. military during World War II and the postwar period. It is intended for collecting, study, training displays, museum exhibits, and restoration projects. This example is inert and is not a live fuze.
Identification and Features
The original M52B1 was a single-action, superquick point-detonating fuze. It used a molded Bakelite head and body instead of the aluminum construction found on the original M52.
- Model: M52B1
- Original service type: Point-detonating, superquick
- Offered configuration: Inert display fuze
- Primary 60mm applications: M49A2 high-explosive and M50A2 practice rounds
- Associated weapons: M2/M19 60mm mortars and M1 81mm mortar
- Original head and body material: Bakelite
- Original service-fuze weight: Approximately 0.29 pound
- Original mounting thread: 1.5-12NF-1
- Status: Inert; no live explosive components
Original Service Function
The live M52B1 was designed to function when the nose of a mortar round struck the target. Its superquick action helped burst a high-explosive shell close to the point of impact. The original fuze also had a bore-safety system that kept its explosive parts out of alignment until after the round left the mortar. This inert example does not provide a working ignition or detonation system.
Ammunition and Weapon Applications
U.S. Army manuals list the M52B1 for use with the 60mm M49A2 high-explosive shell and M50A2 practice shell. These rounds were used with the M1 and M2 mortars, while later manuals also associated the ammunition family with the M19 mortar. M52-series fuzes were also fitted to selected 81mm mortar ammunition. The mortar round and weapon are not included.
M52-Series Variants
The M52 used an aluminum head and body. The M52B1 kept the same basic operating design but used a Bakelite head and body. Bakelite is a hard, molded phenolic plastic. The M52B2 used a Bakelite body with an aluminum head. These material changes reduced the amount of aluminum needed for fuze production.
Historical Background
The U.S. Army developed its 60mm mortar system from designs created by the French Brandt company. After military trials, adoption was recommended in 1938. The American-made M2 became a standard light mortar and gave infantry units portable indirect-fire support during World War II and the Korean War. The lighter M19 entered the same weapon family and could use much of the same 60mm ammunition. Army manuals published during World War II list the M52B1 as a standard fuze for both 60mm and 81mm mortar shells.
Condition
This listing is for one inert M52B1 Bakelite fuze only. Markings and minor construction details may vary among available examples. A mortar shell, ammunition 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 Bakelite fuze is well suited for collections and exhibits covering U.S. mortar ammunition, infantry weapons, World War II equipment, and the development of molded military components.
- 60mm mortar collections
- M1, M2, and M19 mortar displays
- World War II exhibits
- Korean War displays
- Inert ordnance collections
- Military museums and educational exhibits
- Mortar-round restoration projects
Approx length 3.5", Approx width 2", Approx height 2", Approx weight 0.3 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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