Please see our. Mar 22, 2023 HUGE LOT OF 1900+ ORIGINAL GERMAN LOBBY CARDS $80. Here, an American Marine demonstrates a preferred firing position for one of the weapons after its capture. 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. JWO-0013 WWII Japanese Type 89 Knee Mortar Round (INERT/ DEACTIVATED) This item is listed for historical interest only. These letters are not necessarily in the original formatting. We assume no liability associated with misuse of our products. Arrowood completely agreed: The Jap knee mortar gives us hell. The fuze still has an intact spring in the nose, and has the original arming pin as well as the pull string, which definitely looks to be original. 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". They wanted them to be useful in all environments and at all close-combat ranges. Also, this grenade has access to the explosive chamber as well, something we rarely see. WWII JAPANESE TYPE 89 MORTAR ROUND & GRENADE LOT Lot of 4 WWII Japanese Inert ordnance. Inert of course. Later that year they were again activated on 16 July only to be deactivated again on 30 September. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. This Japanese model 89 knee mortar round has a small Tokyo arsenal symbol punched into the side along with other markings, making it a very desirable excellent condition Japanese WW2 example. An excellent example of the Type 89 Mortar round, ready to display! When fired from the Type 89 discharger, the Type 91 fragmentation grenade was fitted with a propellant base and time fuse. Japanese Navy paratroopers carried special containers for the Type 89 clipped to their harnesses to provide fire support right on the landing zone. Every Japanese rifle platoon consisted of three squads of riflemen and a fourth grenade discharger squad fielding three or four knee mortars. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Excellent condition. Features original paint with a yellow band on the body and a red band at the top, both painted over with black. This detailed article about the Type 89 Heavy Grenade Discharger is reproduced from Teri's WWII Japanese Handgun Website, with their kind permission. It was smaller than regular artillery pieces and was closer in size to a rifle. 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. 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 50mm shell, which was an impact-detonated shell with considerably more explosive power. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. (1) WWII Japanese Type 97 fragmentation grenade. Be the first to know of our latest discoveries and exclusive offers. Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. The Nylon 66, a relatively inexpensive rimfire with faux woodgrain, was the first successful synthetic-stock firearm. The Type 10 grenade discharger (, Juu-nen-shiki tekidant) was a Japanese smoothbore, muzzle loaded weapon used during the Second World War. Rare to find. 900 g), it was known as the Type 89 50mm shell, and was made in high explosive (HE), incendiary and smoke variants. Craig says he would estimate the value of this Model 89 knee mortar to be $2,000, adding, "If I was selling it, I'd ask $1,995 and probably get it.". There's a lot of WWII collectors out there. INERT WWII Japanese Type 89 Knee mortar round. Its range is longer than most of todays modern grenade launchers, setting it apart from that category as well. Not Available For Export. | Est. The Japanese Navy paratroopers carried special containers for the Type 89 clipped to their harnesses to provide fire support right on the landing zone. It was produced from 1926 to 1945. This is a genuine Japanese late World War II 50mm Mortar, Type 89 grenade with a Type 88 instantaneous fuze. 900 g), it was known as the Type 89 50mm shell, and was made in high explosive (HE), incendiary and smoke variants. A British ally in World War I, Japan sent military observers to the western front. Totally non-functional and inert having been demilled according to specifications outlined by the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). Legal Notice - International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and local laws. In Canada, since the arm is such low velocity, it isnt considered a weapon. WWII JAPANESE TYPE 89 KNEE MORTAR ROUND INERT WW2 Estimate $150 - $250 Jun 20, 2020 See Sold Price Sell a Similar Item Shipping, Payment & Auction Policies Offers In-House Shipping Ships fromWilloughby, OH, United States Free Local Pick-UpWilloughby, OH, United States View Shipping, Payment & Auction Policies Milestone Auctions TOP RATED When fired from the Type 89 discharger, the Type 91 fragmentation grenade was fitted with a propellant base and time fuse. K-Mart Classics: Remingtons Nylon Rimfires Engineered To Last. The book is sailor Ishmael's narrative of the obsessive quest of Ahab. That's much safer for the weapon's operator, at least. Conversely, the standard American infantry rifle company had only three 60mm mortars in a separate weapons platoon. Not available for export. ULTRA RARE Original World War Two Imperial Japanese Army Type 89 Knee Mortar - INERT Completely Original WW2 Japanese Military item. As part of this effort, the Japanese Army had adopted by 1932 a set of fragmentation grenades with almost universal adaptability. 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. During World War II, the weapon was used effectively against the Allied defenders in the Battle of Corregidor in May 1942. Condition Report: Very good. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. [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. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. [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. 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. The Type 89 discharger could also be used with a more powerful impact-detonated shell approaching the power of a light mortar. This is a genuine Japanese World War II 50mm Mortar, Type 89 grenade with a Type 88 instantaneous fuze. Has Yellowand Red bands and brass fuze. . 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). During World War II, the weapon was used in Burma, China, and the Pacific islands. With the legality of purchasing the Model 89 knee mortar cleared, the second most important question for Rick is this: How much is it worth? International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. For the other Japanese weapon also known as "knee mortar", see, Type 89 grenade discharger with various grenades, shells, and accessories, US Army field manual TM-E 30-480 at hyperwar, U.S. World War II Intel Report on Japanese Smoke Grenades, Lance-grenade individuel Mle F1 (LGI Mle F1), Nambu World: Type 89 Knee Mortar (Grenade Launcher), Colour pictures of the Type 89 and Type 10 at carbinesforcollectors.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Type_89_grenade_discharger&oldid=1135034784, Type 89 50mm HE (high explosive) mortar shell (fitted with impact detonator) [Weight: ~2.00 lb (0.91kg)], Type 91 fragmentation grenade (fitted with 7 second delay time fuse, ignited in flight), Smoke shell weight: 0.9kg containing 0.11kg of HC type smoke mixture, Incendiary shell weight: 0.57kg containing 0.32kg of incendiary material, This page was last edited on 22 January 2023, at 05:58. 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. Seller: Affiliated Auctions & Realty. 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". 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. 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. There is an arsenal marking followed by 12 , for the 12th month of Showa 15, or December 1940. $200-400 All orders are subject to acceptance by IMA Inc, which reserves the right to refuse any order. Before the war, the Japanese Army put plenty of effort into optimizing their grenades. [5] 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.[5]. Actually misnamed, this Japanese light infantry weapon earned the respect of the American soldiers who encountered it. Legal Notice - International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and local laws. In June of that year they deployed to Wellington, New Zealand. When I dress Western, nothing beats the classic good looks of my Smith & Wesson (S&W) 586 .357 revolver. Because the Type 89 mortar was so small it was ideal for the Pacific Islands campaign ( 1941-1945). Item #22407 Good condition, approx. 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. Remington's Nylon 66 semi-automatic .22 LR rifles have grown from 1950s bargain buys to 21st century collectors darlings. 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. Being triggered rather than drop fired, the knee mortar could also be braced against a tree trunk and fired almost horizontally. The Type 89 shell could be adjusted to ranges of 393 to 2,132 feet. This truly excellent example is beautifully marked with serial number 24258 that is matched on the barrel, range adjustment tube, and base plate. 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. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. The Japanese Army, noting that grenades were short-ranged weapons, began efforts to optimize these weapons for close-in infantry fighting. Sighting capability, as such, consisted of only a line marked on the barrel itself, although some models captured by the Americans on Attu Island in the Aleutians also featured a small bubble level. To help compensate for the lack of heavy weapons, the Imperial Japanese Army worked hard to develop large numbers of what were probably the best light infantrymen in the world at the time. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering. Item Description Original Items: Only One Available. Japanese 50mm Mortar Round for the Jap Model 89 Grenade Discharger, nicknamed "knee Mortar". $595 GG-2133 Japanese 25MM Anti Aircraft shell. They were re-designated on 1 January 1943 as the 4th Battalion, 11th Marines. The soldier who carried it wore two pouches to hold 8 rounds. The Type 89 discharger first saw service in China and Manchuria. Photo Credit: Misnamed by the American GIs who opposed it in combat, the Japanese Type 89 knee mortar was actually a light grenade launcher fired from a position on the ground. answers this question with a resounding "Yes!" 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 Theater of World War II. 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. 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. Measures 2 inches wide 5.75 inches in overall height, though unfortunately the bottom cap no longer unscrews, so the interior cannot be viewed. The 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. Every cowboy needs a revolver. 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. Original Item: Only One Available. 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. Gee Colin. The Type 10 has a range of 175 meters, greater than other grenade dischargers of that time. When it came to weapons production, the Imperial Japanese Armys requirements often came in second to the needs of the Imperial Japanese Navy. It differs from the earlier Type 10 grenade discharger in that it has a rifled barrel. Thanks, Mike 03-18-2018, 03:38 AM #2 MAP ? 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. This item is completely legal within the USA. The Type 89 discharger could also be used with a more powerful impact-detonated shell approaching the power of a light mortar. on Jan 14, 2018. . They participated in the following campaigns: Inchon/Seoul CampaignBattle of Chosin ReservoirEast/Central FrontWestern Front, Following the war the battalion remained in Korea and participated in the occupation of the Korean Demilitarized Zone from August 1953 until March 1955 when they relocated to MCB Camp Pendleton. We assume no liability associated with misuse of our products. We have no way of confirming that he took part in all of these battles, only the New Britain campaign. It also saw service in Burma and the Pacific islands. 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. 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". Please see our. 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. Legal Notice - International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and local laws. This made it possible for Type 89 operators to shoot, pack up, and relocate before their round even hit the target. IMA considers all antique guns offered on our website as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. 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. Legal Notice - International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and local laws. Firearms dont get much more iconic than John Moses Brownings legendary Auto-5 semi-auto shotgun, affectionately called the Humpback for its distinctive drop at the rear of the receiver. 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. The Japanese Navy paratroopers carried special containers for the Type 89 clipped to their harnesses to provide fire support right on the landing zone. Still a relatively simple weapon, the Type 89 consisted of a steel pipelike barrel with enough rifling to spin stabilize the new projectiles, a trigger housing, a range-adjusting assembly, and a small curved base plate. Using the similar Type 10 mortar as a starting point, Japanese engineers created a portable bloop gun that fired grenades. All Rights Reserved, Hachiky-shiki j-tekidant, or Year 89 Grenade Discharger, The Japanese Type 89 'Knee Mortar': Confusingly simple (VIDEO). (2) WWII Imperial Japanese Type 89 (50mm) knee mortar round. DISCLAIMER Per EBAY RULES: This item is not, and cannot be made a 2 days Left Harpers Ferry U.S. Model 1795 Type III Musket with State of Ohio Markings, $1,600. 5th Battalion 11th Marines was activated on 1 May 1942 at New River, North Carolina. Their antitank capabilities were extremely limited; artillery was often lacking and sometimes restricted to small, outmoded pieces; and its armored forces included obsolescent tanks that were greatly inferior to their opponents armor. There are some Japanese characters stamped on the housing, including a date of4 . 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. 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 beautiful piece maintains most of its original paint and markings. The firing pin struck a percussion cap primer that fired the propelling charge, which also caused a copper driving band on the charge body to push out and engage the rifling of the barrel. 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. Designed in 1929, the Model 89 knee mortar was used to improve the accuracy of grenades and with around 120,000 used during World War II, it's safe to say it got the job done to the satisfaction of the Imperial Japanese Army. 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. This represents a piece of World War II history and could ma.from 1540641 Postwar U.S. Army medical studies concluded that approximately half of all Allied battle casualties were caused by mortars, and of those roughly 80 percent came from knee mortars. Designed to be braced against a log, tree trunk, or the ground, this odd-shaped base plate helped give the Type 89 its deceptive nickname. By enthusiastically adopting the latest technology, tactics, and equipment from around the world, the Japanese built a remarkable military machine that would set the stage for the Pacific theater of the Second World 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. This marking is written right to left, and would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Hachi Nen (18th year of reign - 1943), probably the 8th month of August. A pull on the leather lanyard attached to the trigger then fired the weapon. If you need more pictures or have anyquestions please ask. The Type 89 could fire several different types of grenades but its most popular was the dedicated Type 89 projectile (catchy designation). As part of this effort, the Japanese Army had adopted by 1932 a set of fragmentation grenades with almost universal adaptability. The 'knee mortar' was among the most peculiar weapons that the Japanese Army brought with it to battlefields in China and elsewhere in the 1930s and 1940s. $140 GG-2126 WW2 Japanese cotton trousers with flannel lining. IMA considers all antique guns offered on our website as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. 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 Japanese Army, noting that grenades were short-ranged weapons, began efforts to optimize these weapons for close-in infantry fighting. 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. An excellent example of the Type 89 Mortar round, ready for further research and display! The Type 89 heavy grenade discharger was adopted in 1929, but production did not begin until 1932. (2) WWII Imperial Japanese Type 89 (50mm) knee mortar round. It did not explode upon contact, but was designed to ignite its fuse while in flight. Self-Concept and Organizational Behavior Types of Values 68 Learning through Experience Chapter Summary 56 Key Terms 56 88 89 Case Study 3.1: Hy Dairies, Inc. 90 Case Study 2.1: SK Telecom Goes Egalitarian in a Hierarchical Society 57 Case Study 3.2: How Failure Breeds Success 91 58 Class Exercise 3.3: The Learning Exercise 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. WWII JAPANESE EMPIRE TYPE 89 KNEE MORTAR DEMILLED. The Type 89 "Knee Mortar" was one of the more unorthodox weapons of WWII, but nevertheless a lethal addition to Imperial Japan's wartime arsenal. Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon. He listed the following reasons: A Marine Corps legend, then-Lt. Col. Lewis M. Chesty Puller seconded Edsons opinion. 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. Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is an 1851 novel by American writer Herman Melville. Our database is searchable by subject and updated continuously. It first entered service in 1921. Stripper Clip WW2 Japanese Type 92 heavy Machinegun caliber 7.7 stripper clip of ammunition in stripper in original package. 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. 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. The Type 89 "Knee Mortar" was designed to give the Japanese soldier a more powerful weapon with longer range than a hand grenade or rifle fired grenade, but without the need to dedicate an entire squad to the carrying and operation of a larger, traditional mortar launcher. [2], After World War II the Type 89 was used by Indonesian National Army and militias against Dutch forces in the Indonesian National Revolution,[7] with copies of the weapon manufactured in Demakijo, Yogyakarta. Production began in 1932 and continued through 1945. It isn't functional, but it could still be valuable. 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. It fired from a trigger and, while normally designed to be shot at a 45-degree angle to the ground, could be aimed horizontally like a rifle and (if properly braced) direct fired. IMA works diligently to be aware of these ever changing laws and obeys them accordingly. There are also arsenal markings on the body of the round. 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 Japanese Army, noting that grenades were short-ranged weapons, began efforts to optimize these weapons for close-in infantry fighting. And what about calling the gun a mortar? 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. The Type 91 fragmentation grenade was a result of this thinking and was a highly adaptable device that could be . Adjusted by a knob connected to a worm screw on the bottom of the barrel, the firing pin assembly could be moved up or down to increase or decrease range. They come in fast, thick, and accurate. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns manufactured prior to 1899. The Type 89 discharger first saw service in China and Manchuria. IMA works diligently to be aware of these ever changing laws and obeys them accordingly. The answer to Sergeant Arrowoods question was a resounding no. 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). 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. IMA considers all antique guns offered on our website as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Inert. I have tried to pr . It did not explode upon contact, but was designed to ignite its fuse while in flight. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. Japanese weapons used a year-based nomenclature that was often quite confusing to Westerners and requires some explanation. Initiative. Need Help?service@guns.comCall (866)582-4867, PO Box 1131 13800 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville, MN 55337 2023Guns.com. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. 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. 2016 WWII SIGNAL FLARES AND JAPANESE KNEE MORTAR SHELL See Sold Price. This product is not available for international shipping. 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! Graduated range scales for the two main types of projectiles were etched onto the stem of the tube that housed the trigger assembly. arsenal markings on the body of the round. Offered here is an original WWII Japanese Army carrying case for the type 89 grenade launcher, commonly miss-identified as a knee mortar by allied troops. Jayne Haugen Olson . During World War II, the weapon was used in Burma, China, and the Pacific islands. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the buyer to be in compliance of laws that govern their specific location. Inert. The knee mortar was a simple, yet extremely effective weapon. Thus, when a new and improved 50mm knee mortar was adopted in 1929, it became the Type 89 knee mortar, with 1929 being the 2,589th anniversary of the Japanese Empire.