Description
U.S. Army M8 81mm Mortar Cleaning Staff for M29/M29A1, NSN 1015-00-557-0617
Item Overview
This U.S. Army M8 cleaning staff was issued for cleaning the bore of the 81mm M29 and M29A1 mortars. Later military supply records identify it as “Staff, Cleaning, Artillery” under part number 5570617 and NSN 1015-00-557-0617. It is an inert maintenance tool and is not a weapon or firearm component.
Identification and Features
The staff has a long wooden handle and a forked head designed to hold cleaning cloth or swab material. Army records list one cleaning staff among the basic issue items supplied with each M29A1 mortar.
- Common designation: M8 Cleaning Staff
- Official supply name: Staff, Cleaning, Artillery
- Part number: 5570617
- NSN: 1015-00-557-0617
- Army CAGE code: 19206
- Application: 81mm M29 and M29A1 mortars
- Material: Wood meeting MIL-B-13889
- Head style: Forked cleaning head
- Handle style: Straight with a round end
- Cataloged length: 78"
- Cataloged diameter: 1.25"
- Basic issue quantity: One per mortar
How It Was Used
The M8 staff allowed mortar crews to push cleaning material through the full length of the barrel. Swabbing removed dirt, moisture, firing residue, and other material that could affect safe operation. Army instructions called for dry-swabbing the cannon before firing and, as a training precaution, after every ten rounds fired. The staff’s extended length allowed the crew to clean the bore without taking apart the cannon tube.
Historical Background
The M29 and improved M29A1 served as standard U.S. 81mm infantry mortars through much of the Cold War, including the Vietnam era. These smoothbore, muzzle-loaded weapons could be operated from ground mounts or installed in vehicles such as the M125-series mortar carrier. Cleaning staffs were essential support tools because mortar barrels had to remain clean and dry for dependable ammunition travel and firing. Army manuals continued to list this staff as basic M29A1 equipment during the 1980s.
Condition
This is original military equipment intended for maintenance, restoration, display, or collecting. The staff may show scratches, dents, worn finish, stains, discoloration, surface residue, small wood imperfections, or other signs of age and storage. Cleaning cloths, brushes, mortar parts, ammunition, and other accessories are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Ideal For
This uncommon maintenance tool is suitable for collectors, museums, restoration projects, and historical displays related to U.S. mortar crews and military support equipment.
- M29 and M29A1 mortar displays
- Vietnam-era military collections
- U.S. Army field-equipment collections
- M125 mortar-carrier restoration research
- Military museums and educational exhibits
- Historic artillery-tool collections
Approx length 78", Approx width 1.25", Approx height 1.25", Approx weight 3.1 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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