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SCARCE 83MM BRITISH PIAT SPIGOT MORTAR.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:450.00 USD Estimated At:900.00 - 1,100.00 USD
SCARCE 83MM BRITISH PIAT SPIGOT MORTAR.
Cal. 83mm. S# 93067. The PIAT (Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank) was an active anti-tank launcher for the British Infantry from 1942 to 1950. Through the use of a massive 200 lb. main spring & an internal blank type cartridge, the enormous 83mm, 3 lb. shaped warhead could be launched to disable any tank w/ this system. It was extremely effective at disabling tanks & defeating armor. Unfortunately its downfall was severalfold. 1 Major issue it encountered was the short effective range, being only in the area of 100yds. which is a little bit too close to an enemy tank by anyone’s standards. Secondly, although the PIAT was designed to recock itself upon firing, it wasn’t uncommon to fail. Weighing approx. 32 lbs. unloaded & measuring just under 40" in length, it was a heavy & cumbersome. Though this example isn’t entirely complete, it does include the sm. cork connected by a retention chain that was utilized after cocking & inserted before loading the projectile. Still serviceable are the sights, consisting of a spring-loaded folding front sight pin & rear mounted 3-aperture peep. Sling swivels mounted on the right side allow for multiple sling options. The launcher is painted in a dark green over what appears to be a red primer, still retains white center aiming line at 12 o’clock on the body of the launcher. The mostly all steel construction utilizes a plastic grip covering for hand placement & originally was issued w/ a rubber filled canvas pad laced over the stock section. Although this issue appears to have created confusion in the past, it is important to note that the BATFE has listed the original PIAT in Section III of the Curios & Relics list. "Weapons removed from the NFA as Collector’s Items & Classified as Curios or Relics under the GCA." This means they are no longer considered NFA firearms & are treated like any other traditional Title I firearm. CONDITION: the original finish is overall rough, indicating possible use in the field. Rear stock mechanism still rotates from vertical to horizontal position & butt is missing original canvas pad. Trigger mechanism appears to remain functional. Sights still fold up & lock into place when desired. Original cork included on early steel retention chain. Bipod is also absent. (20-1500/JZ). CURIO. $900-1,100.