Recent acquisitions from militaria show

[wichitaslumlord]

Pictured below is a wonderful group of inert ordnance I just picked up from a large national militaria show here in the U.S. The 2inch Trench Howitzer is, of course, the most prized item of all. It has the detonator well, shipping cover and the correct #107 percussion fuse. I really like the red colored #69 as well. I'm not sure how rare this is but I haven't seen one before. The S-mine is an early one in mint condition and has ball bearings instead of the late war segments of steel rod.
The M9A1 A.T. is a real one which has been inerted and these seem to be quite scarce. Now, to find a mint yellow one........
The first 3 pictures are of a German sterling silver cigarette case which has been converted to a boobie trap. Smoking really can be hazardous to your health.... I am not familiar with the yellow mortar round but I think it's a French 5cm like the one on the right.
If I ever end up living under a bridge, the 2in toffee apple will be at my side! Thanks for taking the time to look! Pat

 

[wichitaslumlord]

Here are some close up shots of the 2in Trench Howitzer - toffee apple.

 

[bacarnal]

Looks like y'all had a good Militaria Show also. Great finds! Cheers, Bruce.

 

[Dirt Detective]

Love the M9A1...was it from the SOS?

 

[wichitaslumlord]

Yes, it was the SOS show and my feet still hurt from walking...............Pat

 

[Jolly Green]

GREAT finds!
Where was this show?
Thanks for showing!

 

[25thapril]

Red No 69 is an Australian one as far as I know we were the only one,s to make them out of redish brown Bakelite think it could have markings on base like DLC ( can't remember exactly got old timers disease )
regards Daryl

 

[usa1918]

GREAT finds!
Where was this show?
Thanks for showing!

The yearly SOS show is in Louisville, Kentucky

 

[bacarnal]

Oh, so you were at the same show! Cool. I didn't see those there, so I guess you beat me to them. I think I know where ya got most of them, though. Great finds!!

 

[Snufkin]

The 2-inch TH bomb head looks to be manufactured by HW & Co. - Henry Wilson & Co. Ltd, Cornhill Works, Liverpool.

Nice to see legible markings around the stem socket. Thanks for showing those details.

 

[JCB99]

Pat, hope you are good these days. Nice Japanese stuff! That short 37mm AP round is nice and the late T2 clusterbomb. It kills me I can't get to that SOS show!!!

Jim
JapaneseOrdnance at Yahoo.com

 

[wichitaslumlord]

Hello Jim,
It's good to hear from you. I have looked at scores of the early cluster bombs but this is the first late model I have had the chance to buy!
This was my first SOS show and it was simply overwhelming. Take care, Pat

 

[Millsman]

The Toffee Apple brass plug looks to be made by May & Padmore who also made Mills Grenades.

John

 

[millsbomber]

Could Some one Enlighten me as to what the rifle grenade is,,,,,,, Dave

 

[Bonnex]

One of the Italian Benaglia rifle grenade variations.

 

[wichitaslumlord]

Bonnex,
How many variety's of the Benaglia were made? Thanks, Pat

 

[Bonnex]

Pat,
I don't know, I have seen two different fin types and one without fins in the UK over the years. http://www.talpo.it/benaglia.html is worth a look.

 

[wichitaslumlord]

Thanks for the link, it contains some very good information! Pat

 

[wichitaslumlord]

Just a quick question on the 2inch Trench Mortar. The brass shipping cap is a different manufacturer than the cast body, could this have happened or have the parts been "married" at some later time? Any thoughts would be appreciated! Pat

 

[Francesco_Dif]

It is not a Benaglia just, but a Benaglia-GUSSI grenade; very similar but more rare....
More than 5 different types of Benaglia grenade are known and an unknown number of subversions....