It also saw service in Burma and the Pacific islands. He is seen still serving with 5/11 during the Korean War as well, making his service span from 1939/40 to 1953! The Type 91 fragmentation grenade could be thrown by hand, fired from a spigot-type launcher, or used in a mortar-like grenade discharger, the Type 89. Conversely, the standard American infantry rifle company had only three 60mm mortars in a separate weapons platoon. The Type 89 could fire several different types of grenades but its most popular was the dedicated Type 89 projectile (catchy designation). During World War II, the weapon was used in Burma, China, and the Pacific islands. The Army was an infantry-heavy organization that lacked much in the way of the modern heavy weaponry other armies enjoyed. When fired from the Type 89 discharger, the Type 91 fragmentation grenade was fitted with a propellant base and time fuse. The Type 89 Grenade Discharger ( Hachiky-shiki j-tekidant), inaccurately and colloquially known as a knee mortar by Allied forces, is a Japanese grenade launcher or light mortar that was widely used in the Pacific Ocean theatre of World War II. This marking is written right to left, and would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Yon Nen (14th year of reign - 1939), the 12th month, December. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. We assume no liability associated with misuse of our products. events, and resources, What Made the Dreaded Type 89 Knee Mortar So Damaging. The Type 89 Grenade Discharger ( Hachiky-shiki j-tekidant), inaccurately and colloquially known as a knee mortar by Allied forces, is a Japanese grenade launcher or light mortar that was widely used in the Pacific Ocean theatre of World War II. A weak creep spring inside the grenade firing mechanism allowed the firing pin to be thrown back upon launching, igniting a time fuse with a 7-8 second delay. Auction Listings provided by AuctionZip.com.Although the information published herein is from sources deemed reliable, AuctionZip.com expressly disclaims any liability for errors, omissions or changes regarding any information provided for this auction. A weak creep spring inside the grenade firing mechanism allowed the firing pin to be thrown back upon launching, igniting a time fuse with a 7-8 second delay. Also included is an original inert Type 89 mortar grenade round which was original Japanese manufacture then used by US Military for training is totally inert. Following the surrender of Japan, the battalion was deployed to Tientsin, China as part of the occupation of northern China from October 1946 to January 1947. When I dress Western, nothing beats the classic good looks of my Smith & Wesson (S&W) 586 .357 revolver. The Nylon 66, a relatively inexpensive rimfire with faux woodgrain, was the first successful synthetic-stock firearm. Appendix 47: Gang Stalking, MKULTRA, Scientiology are "Zionazi" (Luciferian-Illuminati-Jewish-Masonic-German-Soviet-Nazi-UK-US-Israeli) "Psycho-Political . The 1943 U.S. Army manual on Japanese weapons reported that a Marine on Guadalcanal attempted to fire a knee mortar in such a fashion and the recoil had broken his thigh bone. Using the similar Type 10 mortar as a starting point, Japanese engineers created a portable bloop gun that fired grenades. And few were as feared, or as effective, as the Type 89 "Knee Mortar," or grenade discharger. Although the Type 89 could be fired by a single person, it was typically operated with a crew of 3, enabling it to reach a rate of fire of about 25 rounds per minute. WWII JAPANESE TYPE 89 MORTAR ROUND & GRENADE LOT | Lot of 4 WWII Japanese Inert ordnance. The method worked equally well when firing from deep trenches or pits, or between various building obstructions when fighting inside a built-up town or city. Although it had a barrel length of only 10 inches and was just two feet long overall, the Type 89 still weighed a rather hefty 10 and a quarter pounds. The Japanese Knee Mortar By Cliff Carlisle The WW2 Japanese 50mm Grenade Discharger was called a Knee Mortar by the US GIs due to it's curved base. Sergeant Land served with multiple pre war Marine Corps reserved units but is seen as serving mostly with the 5th Battalion, 11th Marines with an Artillery Battery. Inert Type 89 mortar bombs run from $300 up to $1,500, depending upon condition and type. He listed the following reasons: A Marine Corps legend, then-Lt. Col. Lewis M. Chesty Puller seconded Edsons opinion. Impasse. I began by stating that American soldiers thought it was fired off the leg and as soon as this was translated he suddenly became highly animated, waving his hands with fingers spread back and forth and obviously say No No No in Japanese! This is a genuine Japanese World War II 50mm Mortar, Type 89 grenade with a Type 88 instantaneous fuze. The Type 91 fragmentation grenade could be thrown by hand, fired from a spigot-type launcher, or used in a mortar-like grenade discharger, the Type 89.[2]. In consequence, US forces often encountered these weapons and many were brought back by returning GIs after World War II. | Est. According to a U.S. Army manual, the Type 89 fired a 50mm round and weighed ten pounds. Compare this to a high velocity rifle round that travels at some 2100-fps and you see just how slow these projectors are. The book is sailor Ishmael's narrative of the obsessive quest of Ahab. Looks can be deceiving, though, and Model 89s were actually thrust into the ground. During World War II, the weapon was used in Burma, China, and the Pacific islands. Very few mortars have a rifled barrel, can fire directly, or fire by trigger such as the Type 89 can. Still has the original safety pin. This gun would also have to be able to reach out and touch a machine gun nest at ranges impossible for hand-held grenades. $595 GG-2133 Japanese 25MM Anti Aircraft shell. There's a lot of WWII collectors out there. Item Description Original Items: Only One Available. By setting the Type 89 discharger at a fixed angle of 45 degrees, and varying distance to target by adjusting the size of a variable chamber space inside the discharger mechanism, soldiers could adjust fire onto multiple targets at varying ranges while firing the contact-detonated 50 mm shell through a single small clearing in the jungle canopy. eBay item number: 134399144305 Item specifics This made it possible for Type 89 operators to shoot, pack up, and relocate before their round even hit the target. Technically known as the Hachikyu Shiki Jutekidanto, or 89 Model Heavy Grenade Discharger, the new weapon featured a wide variety of improvements over the old Type 10 and had almost universally replaced the former weapon by 1941. The rounds are extremely low velocity to cut down on felt recoil and traveled at a 165 feet per second creep. This caused numerous broken legs due to the recoil of the weapon. The Type 89 could fire two types of grenades or shells: the Type 91 Grenade, which was a normal infantry fragmentation grenade adapted to the Type 89 discharger, and the Type 89 50 mm shell, which was an impact-detonated shell with considerably more explosive power. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns manufactured prior to 1899. The Japanese Navy paratroopers carried special containers for the Type 89 clipped to their harnesses to provide fire support right on the landing zone. Weighing approximately two pounds (approx. They are fired by hand without a bipod, make use of simple sights, and are specifically intended to give small groups of light infantry or special forces immediate indirect fire of their own. It retains 80-90% of its original finish but is missing the lanyard. | Condition: Very good. Sold Item #38846 Type 89 Japanese WWII 50mm Knee Mortar Grenade Maker: Japanese Model: Grenade Caliber: Description: This is a very nice example of a Type 89 World War 2, Japanese Army 50mm Knee mortar round grenade. The Japanese Army, noting that grenades were short-ranged weapons, began efforts to optimize these weapons for close-in infantry fighting. The Japanese referred to the Type 89 as the Hachiky-shiki j-tekidant, or Year 89 Grenade Discharger. The Type 89 discharger saw service at the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in Manchuria during the Second Sino-Japanese War. There is an arsenal marking followed by 12 , for the 12th month of Showa 15, or December 1940. This truly excellent example is beautifully marked with serial number 24258 that is matched on the barrel, range adjustment tube, and base plate. This beautiful piece maintains most of its original paint and markings. Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. British and Commonwealth forces came close to having a knee mortar of their own with the excellent Ordnance ML two-inch mortar. Microsoft Apps Home/ Documentary/ Japanese WWII Firearms Japanese WWII Firearms Documentary In June of that year they deployed to Wellington, New Zealand. Measures 2 inches wide 5.75 inches in overall height, though unfortunately the bottom cap no longer unscrews, so the interior cannot be viewed. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. FL 01-94 The Nehmer lawsuit and the granting of retroactive payments for Type 2 diabetes. Very nice condition with the original paint and all matching numbered parts.BackgroundThe Japanese Army, noting that grenades were short-ranged weapons The Model 89 was by far the most prolific of the grenade dischargers and the weapon most commonly encountered by Allied Marines and soldiers throughout the various theaters of the Pacific War. Gun magazine laws, concealed weapons laws, laws governing new made display guns, airsoft guns, blank fire guns, and other items vary greatly by nation, state and locality. $200.00 001915 WW2 Japanese Type 92 Heavy Machinegun 7.7 cal. Initiative. ! All orders are subject to acceptance by IMA Inc, which reserves the right to refuse any order. WW2 JAPANESE TYPE 89 GRENADE DISCHARGER (KNEE MORTAR) LEATHER COVER CASE | eBay Collectibles & Art Original Period Items Other Japanese WWII Orig Items This listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing. All orders are subject to acceptance by IMA Inc, which reserves the right to refuse any order. The soft copper band on the bottom cup is punch engraved with HUGH O. G. LAND / NEW BRITAIN. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. Contains several Japanese characters. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering. Every musket, rifle, display machine gun, machine gun parts set or gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). Using this system, the Type 91 grenades could be launched through jungle cover or through small openings without the danger of premature detonation in the event the grenade struck an object on its way to the target. The Japanese Army, noting that grenades were short-ranged weapons, began efforts to optimize these weapons for close-in infantry fighting. Japanese Navy paratroopers carried special containers for the Type 89 clipped to their harnesses to provide fire support right on the landing zone. During the war they participated in the following campaigns: Battle of GuadalcanalEastern New GuineaNew BritainBattle of PeleliuBattle of Okinawa. Japanese Type 89 "Knee Mortar" Grenade Discharger, Class III/NFA Destructive Device Auction Date: May 14, 2022 Estimated Price: $ 2,500 - $ 3,750 Price Realized: Details Japanese Type 89 "Knee Mortar" Grenade Discharger, Class III/NFA Destructive Device Manufacturer: Japanese Model: Knee Mortar Type: Destructive Device Gauge: 50 mm This is a genuine Japanese World War II 50mm Mortar, Type 89 grenade with a Type 88 instantaneous fuze. By placing an order, the buyer represents that he/she is in compliance with the law and will utilize the items in a lawful manner. This item is completely legal within the USA. After studying employment of grenades and mortars on the battlefield, the Japanese Army developed hand grenades, rifle grenades, and grenade/mortar shell dischargers (small mortars) suited to warfare in typical short-range combat environments such as urban, trench, and jungle warfare. JWO-0013 WWII Japanese Type 89 Knee Mortar Round (INERT/ DEACTIVATED) This item is listed for historical interest only. The knee mortar was a simple, yet extremely effective weapon. In the US, the ATF considers it a Destructive Device. The Type 89 discharger and its ammunition was responsible for many Chinese and later, Allied casualties after the start of World War II, For questions or accessibility help - please call (908) 903-1200. With its curved support plate, the Type 89 was designed to be placed on the ground or against a log or trunk at a fixed firing angle of 45 degrees. It had a range control device at the base of the barrel in . This marking is written right to left, and would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Hachi Nen (18th year of reign - 1943), probably the4 month of April. Japanese WWII "Knee" Mortar, non functioning scale model. To offset their frequent lack of artillery, the Japanese augmented their firepower through the extensive use of mortars, the best and most cost-effective substitute for industry-intensive heavier artillery. [1] Allied troops quickly learned to take cover when they heard the weapon's "pop" when launching its grenades or shells, in some cases from more than 200yd (180m) away. Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon. After studying employment of grenades and mortars on the battlefield, the Japanese Army developed hand grenades, rifle grenades, and grenade/mortar shell dischargers (small mortars) suited to warfare in typical short-range combat environments such as urban, trench, and jungle warfare. Other Battles / Campaigns He Would Have Been A Part Of:Battle of GuadalcanalEastern New GuineaNew BritainBattle of PeleliuBattle of Okinawa, Korean War Campaigns:Inchon/Seoul CampaignBattle of Chosin ReservoirEast/Central FrontWestern Front. However, since it used a spring-loaded, lanyard-operated firing pin mechanism, in an emergency it could fire grenades or shells at point targets while braced horizontally against a tree or building. chapter name 1night's black agents solo ops by gareth ryder-hanrahan 2night's black agents: solo opscredits publ. The Type 89 Grenade Discharger ( Hachiky-shiki j-tekidant), inaccurately and colloquially known as a knee mortar by Allied forces, is a Japanese grenade launcher or light mortar that was widely used in the Pacific Ocean theatre of World War II. A weak creep spring inside the grenade firing mechanism allowed the firing pin to be thrown back upon launching, igniting a time fuse with a 7-8 second delay. (1) WWII Japanese 37mm brass round. Excellent Condition. It'll likely be a bit slimmer profit than what Rick wanted to get out of the deal, but with an estimated net worth of $8 million, we think he'll be alright. The Type 89 discharger could also be used with a more powerful impact-detonated shell approaching the power of a light mortar. We assume no liability associated with misuse of our products. Has Yellowand Red bands and brass fuze. Smoke, incendiary, practice and flare projectiles were also available. The Type 91 fragmentation grenade could be thrown by hand, fired from a spigot-type launcher, or used in a mortar-like grenade discharger, the Type 89. The Type 89 discharger first saw service in China and Manchuria. [citation needed] Others were used by Communist forces during Chinese Civil War and Korean War. A 51mm weapon, it too was fired with no bipod and a lanyard trigger. Its range is longer than most of todays modern grenade launchers, setting it apart from that category as well. Although it could fire signal and smoke rounds, this discharger was primarily used with the infantrys standard 19-ounce Type 91 hand grenade, which could be lobbed to only about 75 yards maximum range. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. We assume no liability associated with misuse of our products. A single Japanese rifle company could field as many as 12 grenade dischargers. The Japanese referred to the Type 89 as the Hachiky-shiki j-tekidant, or Year 89 Grenade Discharger. There are also a few arsenal markings on the body of the round, making it a very desirable excellent condition Japanese WW2 example. This was brought home and converted by a US Marine after WWII. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the buyer to be in compliance of laws that govern their specific location. 612-259-7147 REDWAGON-MPLS.COM Q E b Original storytelling since 1972. Type 100 20mm Anti-Aircraft Round Type 89 50mm "Knee" Mortar Artillery Fuzes Type 91 AA Time Fuze Type 89 Combustion Time Fuze Type 88, Large, Impact Fuze Type 88, Small, Impact Fuze Type 89 Small Time Fuze Type 100 Small Impact Fuze Bomb Fuzes Bomb Fuzes (Wind Vane) Army / Navy, Nose & Tail Types Relics of Guadalcanal .. 13.09.14 Overall, the Type 89 is in a class by itself. The Japanese Army, noting that grenades were short-ranged weapons, began efforts to optimize these weapons for close-in infantry fighting. To fire the shell (which had a nose-mounted impact fuse that detonated on contact), it was dropped base-down inside the tube of the discharger. We'll see! The Origin of the Name Technically, Japanese light "knee" mortars at first merely bridged the gap between hand grenades and true mortars and were more properly referred to as grenade dischargers. Up for auction is agood condition 50mm Japanese knee mortar HE Round and type 88 fuse,Original vintage (1943). [3] Although the Type 89 could be fired by a single person, it was typically operated with a crew of 3, enabling it to reach a rate of fire of about 25 rounds per minute. The Type 91 fragmentation grenade was a result of this thinking and was a highly adaptable device that could be . The Japanese Navy paratroopers carried special containers for the Type 89 clipped to their harnesses to provide fire support right on the landing zone. The Mortar round is inert and can never be used as a weapon or for its original intended purpose, therefore complies with BATF guidelines governing ordnance. All mechanics appear to be functional, but it has had a bore-width hole cut in the side of the barrel and a cross bar installed per BATF regulations to deactivate. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns manufactured prior to 1899. Today, the visage of the knee mortar lives on in the form of the commando mortar, models of which are currently being manufactured in Austria, Chile, Spain, Turkey, South Africa, and elsewhere. All Rights Reserved, Hachiky-shiki j-tekidant, or Year 89 Grenade Discharger, The Japanese Type 89 'Knee Mortar': Confusingly simple (VIDEO). Measures 2 inches wide 5.75 inches in overall height, and the bottompropellant cup charge still unscrews. To fire the shell (which had a nose-mounted impact fuse that detonated on contact), it was dropped base-down inside the tube of the discharger. IMA considers all antique guns offered on our website as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. The Type 89 discharger and its ammunition was responsible for many Chinese and later, Allied casualties after the start of World War II, For questions or accessibility help - please call (908) 903-1200. In August they deployed to Kobe, Japan and fought in the war until the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed on 27 July 1953. ob. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns manufactured prior to 1899. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. One new winner* is announced every week! IMA considers all antique guns offered on our website as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. And what about calling the gun a mortar? The Type 89 Knee Mortar itself, even in demilled condition, will typically bring $1000-1500. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering. To fire the shell (which had a nose-mounted impact fuse that detonated on contact), it was dropped base-down inside the tube of the discharger. 2016 WWII SIGNAL FLARES AND JAPANESE KNEE MORTAR SHELL See Sold Price. However, any soldier or marine who tried to fire a captured Type 89 in this fashion received a severe bruise (and sometimes a broken thigh bone) from the hefty recoil. The fragmentation rounds did their work well enough. The Type 89 discharger and its ammunition was responsible for many Chinese and later, Allied casualties after the start of World War II, For questions or accessibility help - please call (908) 903-1200. Mike's Model 89 was deactivated after the war, with a metal bar welded across the mouth of its barrel and a hole sawed closer to its base. Night attacks were a true specialty, and their weaponry reflected their light and fast doctrine. Every display machinegun and machine gun parts set and gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). Not available for export. Serial "11127" on base and on barrel. Displays well. (2) WWII Imperial Japanese Type 89 (50mm) knee mortar round. The Mortar round is inert and can never be used as a weapon or for its original intended purpose, therefore complies with BATF guidelines governing ordnance. This was not any consolation to men hit by these flying shards of steel. It could fire incendiary rounds, smoke rounds, and high-explosive rounds. Cookies help us deliver our Services. By setting the Type 89 discharger at a fixed angle of 45 degrees, and varying distance to target by adjusting the size of a variable chamber space inside the discharger mechanism, soldiers could adjust fire onto multiple targets at varying ranges while firing the contact-detonated 50 mm shell through a single small clearing in the jungle canopy. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the buyer to be in compliance of laws that govern their specific location. Series Dedication The Red Gambit series of books is dedicated to my grandfather, the boss-fellah, Jack 'Chalky' White, Chief Petty Officer [Engine Room] RN, my de facto father until his untimely death from cancer in 1983, and a man who, along with many millions of others, participated in the epic of history that we know as World War Two . Mike wants $2,000 for his knee mortar, and he tells the camera in his pre-sale interview, "I don't think that's unreasonable." International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. A Cold War era classic with smooth lines, a legendary back story, and an exotic-sounding name, Beretta's Model 71 was definitely a mouse that roared. Although the Type 89 could be fired by a single person, it was typically operated with a crew of 3, enabling it to reach a rate of fire of about 25 rounds per minute. Original Items: Only One Available. All orders are subject to acceptance by IMA Inc, which reserves the right to refuse any order. 36), soldiers could adjust fire onto multiple targets at varying ranges while firing the contact-detonated 50mm shell through a single small clearing in the jungle canopy. Legal Notice - International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and local laws. Allied troops soon learned to hit the ground when they heard the telltale 'pop' of the weapon launching its grenades or shells, in some cases from more than 200 yards (183 m) away.Some Allied infantrymen mistakenly assumed that the launcher's curve plate was propped on the leg to fire and thereafter referred to it as a "knee mortar". There they learned the two lessons above and the problems realized demanded a grenade-type weapon small enough to accompany the infantry on the assault down to squad level. By setting the Type 89 discharger at a fixed angle of 45 degrees, and varying distance to target by adjusting the size of a variable chamber space inside the discharger mechanism, soldiers could adjust fire onto multiple targets at varying ranges while firing the contact-detonated 50 mm shell through a single small clearing in the jungle canopy. Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon. Every musket, rifle, display machine gun, machine gun parts set or gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). While the dictionary definition of a mortar, A portable, muzzle loading cannon used to fire shells at low velocities, short ranges, and high trajectory is a match, the Type 89 is more like a grenade-firing rifle. Think of it as kind of an M79 grenade launcher on steroids. However, anyone trying to fire it this way would receive a severe bruise (or sometimes a broken thigh bone) from its hefty recoil.[1]. When fired from the Type 89 discharger, the Type 91 fragmentation grenade was fitted with a propellant base and time fuse. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. This led quickly to the weapon being referred to as the leg mortar. When US troops captured these weapons, a bad translation of this moniker led to the term knee mortar and it has stuck. Please see our. The Type 89 entered service in 1929, and differs from the earlier Type 10 Grenade Discharger in that it has a rifled barrel. Arrowood completely agreed: The Jap knee mortar gives us hell. That's much safer for the weapon's operator, at least. However, since it used a spring-loaded, lanyard-operated firing pin mechanism, in an emergency it could fire grenades or shells at point targets while braced horizontally against a tree or building. Weighing approximately 2 pounds (910g), it was known as the Type 89 50mm shell, and was made in high explosive (HE), incendiary and smoke variants. They wanted them to be useful in all environments and at all close-combat ranges. Nice WWII era Japanese Type 89 50mm "Knee Mortar" Round. GG-2135 WWII Japanese Soldiers camouflage body net. To fire the shell (which had a nose-mounted impact fuse that detonated on contact), it was dropped base-down inside the tube of the discharger. Although the Type 89 could be fired by a single person, it was typically operated with a crew of 3, enabling it to reach a rate of fire of about 25 rounds per minute. IMA considers all antique guns offered on our website as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. The Type 10 grenade discharger (, Juu-nen-shiki tekidant) was a Japanese smoothbore, muzzle loaded weapon used during the Second World War. However, since it used a spring-loaded, lanyard-operated firing pin mechanism, in an emergency it could fire grenades or shells at point targets while braced horizontally against a tree or building. [7] Some were also used by the Vit Minh during First Indochina War[8] and by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. I consider it imperative that the Army and Marines be equipped with knee mortars and only carry one type grenade., Army Sergeant C.W. "It's less about brick-and-mortar than the groupings of people and the tools you have." . During World War II, the weapon was used in Burma, China, and the Pacific islands. They thought that the curve was placed around the leg at the knee and fired that way. Every Japanese rifle platoon consisted of three squads of riflemen and a fourth grenade discharger squad fielding three or four knee mortars. 50% original paint remaining, bottom unscrews, Fuze has clear Kanji Markings. The Japanese Army, noting that grenades were short-ranged weapons, began efforts to optimize these weapons for close-in infantry fighting. During World War II, the weapon was used in Burma, China, and the Pacific islands. All Images and Text Copyright 2003-2023 International Military Antiques Inc. All Rights Reserved. Rare to find. In addition, the weapon has a shorter barrel in caliber length than most mortars. $250 GG-2127 WW2 Hungarian Helmet with post War liner. 900 g), it was known as the Type 89 50mm shell, and was made in high explosive (HE), incendiary and smoke variants. Despite these relatively crude controls, a soldier could quickly and easily be trained to fire the Type 89 knee mortar with impressive accuracy. For whatever reason, Allied soldiers dubbed the weapon the knee mortar and some even tried to fire the Type 89 with the base plate braced against the thigh. Please see our. Join historians and history buffs alike with our Unlimited Digital Access pass to every military history article ever published (over 3,000 articles) in Sovereigns military history magazines. That term "knee mortar" is not a translation from the original Japanese name for the weapon; rather, Craig tells Rick that American soldiers came up with the term from a misunderstanding of how the weapon was used. The knee mortar itself may be gone, but the concepts it pioneered live on today. Every musket, rifle, display machine gun, machine gun parts set or gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). All Images and Text Copyright 2003-2023 International Military Antiques Inc. All Rights Reserved. IMA works diligently to be aware of these ever changing laws and obeys them accordingly. Gun magazine laws, concealed weapons laws, laws governing new made display guns, airsoft guns, blank fire guns, and other items vary greatly by nation, state and locality.