Experimental 1930s/WW2 81mm Mortar Folding Tail Fin?

Demilitarized vehicle weapons and static display accessories
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AZ Jeff
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Experimental 1930s/WW2 81mm Mortar Folding Tail Fin?

Post by AZ Jeff » Sun May 23, 2021 8:18 am

Definately US 81mm... but I've only seen one pic (on line) of a mortar round with these spring-loaded, "folding" tail fins. It was a pre-war round. The "W.R.A. 81mm M3" charge supports the pre/early war vintage.

When folded, they fit the same profile as the usual fins...

81mm Folding Tail Fins stowed.jpg

When opened, they create this tail design...
81mm Folding Tail Fins opened.jpg

Very well made and obviously off a dug, exploded round (there was a bit of the shattered body still sttached when I got it).
The springs are rotted but could be replaced by disassembling the fins. The brass frame and stainless(?) hinge pins held up very nicely.

Anyone seen these before?

Jeff Q.
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ordnance
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Re: Experimental 1930s/WW2 81mm Mortar Folding Tail Fin?

Post by ordnance » Mon May 24, 2021 8:48 am

Jeff,

The fins are for the M45 81mm high capacity HE round. Not common but I know of a few rounds in collections. The bodies are a bit different than the M56 type and are even harder to find. I'd be interested when you get tired of it.
1934 Dodge 1/2 T PU
1937 Chev 1 1/2 T Cargo
1941 Bantam BRC
1941 37mm AT Gun
1941 GMC CCKW 352
1942 Dodge WC-55 Gun Carriage
1943 Borgward Sd. Kfz.302 Goliath
1944 MB
1969 Grafton 24' STAB, Vietnam River Boat
9 assorted hand carts, 1917-1944

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SubgunFun
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Re: Experimental 1930s/WW2 81mm Mortar Folding Tail Fin?

Post by SubgunFun » Tue May 25, 2021 6:56 am

That's pretty cool. I have not seen those before. Thank you for helping add to my knowledge!

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ordnance
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Re: Experimental 1930s/WW2 81mm Mortar Folding Tail Fin?

Post by ordnance » Tue May 25, 2021 7:29 am

Just to add a bit more context to the discussion, here are a couple photos of examples in collections. The first one is actually an M56 body with the folding fin attached.

Image

The next is an actual M45 round. You can see how much longer the body is next to M56 and M57 rounds on the right.

Image

This design was a direct copy of the French Brandt high capacity HE round and was also copied by the Italians in WWII.
1934 Dodge 1/2 T PU
1937 Chev 1 1/2 T Cargo
1941 Bantam BRC
1941 37mm AT Gun
1941 GMC CCKW 352
1942 Dodge WC-55 Gun Carriage
1943 Borgward Sd. Kfz.302 Goliath
1944 MB
1969 Grafton 24' STAB, Vietnam River Boat
9 assorted hand carts, 1917-1944


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