Looking for a valuation on this Type 100 mortar shell.
British Ordnance Collectors Network
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Japanese Type 100 valuation ?
- Thread starter reccetrooper
- Start date
BOUGAINVILLE
Well-Known Member
A very nice mortar. I would like to point out that you are missing the correct fuze (fuzes). The correct fuze for Japanese mortars are either the Type 93 Instantaneous Short Delay Fuze or the Type 100 Instantaneous Short delay Fuze. They were never used in conjunction with any of the Type 88 Fuzes including the Type 88 Short Delay fuze you have pictured. Argue as some would the simple fact of the matter is that there is not one person that can show any official documentation being it WWII or post WWII supporting this combination. In fact all the documentation and evidence supports the Type 93 and Type 100 fuzes.
A simple military fact is that munitions are usually transported safely until the moment of imminent use. As with Japanese artillery and mortar rounds this means that they would transit with a transit plug in place of the fuze. They would only be fuzed just before use. What has happened is that a victorious souvenir hunter ( and it happened many times) has removed the transit plug and placed the wrong fuze in the mortar because it looks a lot heap cooler than with the transit plug. bear in mind that the Type 88 family of fuzes were used over quite a range of artillery rounds so they were very plentiful and fitted the same size fuze hole. This increased the chances of a miss match if someone was updating the transit plug to a fuze.
Despite the wrong fuze it is never the less a very nice complete round with correct charge bags, booster well and sealing cup.
Cheers,
BOUGAINVILLE
A simple military fact is that munitions are usually transported safely until the moment of imminent use. As with Japanese artillery and mortar rounds this means that they would transit with a transit plug in place of the fuze. They would only be fuzed just before use. What has happened is that a victorious souvenir hunter ( and it happened many times) has removed the transit plug and placed the wrong fuze in the mortar because it looks a lot heap cooler than with the transit plug. bear in mind that the Type 88 family of fuzes were used over quite a range of artillery rounds so they were very plentiful and fitted the same size fuze hole. This increased the chances of a miss match if someone was updating the transit plug to a fuze.
Despite the wrong fuze it is never the less a very nice complete round with correct charge bags, booster well and sealing cup.
Cheers,
BOUGAINVILLE
Last edited:
Slick
Well-Known Member
Agreeing 100% with Bougainville. And, having had the pleasure of handling a few of these over the years, I can say without reservation that yours is about the finest I've ever seen, hinky fuze and all. The charge bags are a big plus. Congrats on that find. Over here, it would bring top dollar. $300+, easy.
Rick
Rick
Thank you gentlemen for the information, (and info received by pm).
I've had this for a long time, but I didn't realise about the fuse being incorrect. I guess I ought to keep an eye out for the correct fuse now that I know.
I've had this for a long time, but I didn't realise about the fuse being incorrect. I guess I ought to keep an eye out for the correct fuse now that I know.