U.S. 60mm Mortar Ammunition Crate - c.1950s–1970s Vietnam (Local Pickup Only)

 

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Vintage Vietnam War Era U.S. 60mm Mortar Ammunition Crate
Original stencilling | Explosive label | Authentic NATO markings

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Shipped and Packaged with Care
Your item will be securely packed using quality materials to ensure it arrives safely. We treat every piece of history with the respect it deserves.

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Item Specifics:

• Material: Hardwood with metal reinforcements
• Colour: Olive drab green
• Origin: United States
• Era/Period: Vietnam War era (1950s–1970s)
• Maker's Mark/Signature: Marked "FZD M68P1" and NATO NSN partial code
• Height: 23 cm (approx.)
• Width: 51 cm (approx.)
• Depth: 39 cm (approx.)
• Weight: Approx. 9.5 kg (empty) / 29 kg original loaded weight

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Description:

This robust wooden ammunition crate once carried twelve 60mm M73 high-explosive mortar rounds, used by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. It carries the scars of service proudly — original olive drab paint, yellow military stencils, and a faded but visible explosive hazard sticker. The crate’s heavy-duty build, skid rails on top, and steel handles tell of a time when every supply was designed for hard use in harsh environments.

Imagine this crate stacked among others in the back of a military truck, bound for forward bases, or sitting in a jungle clearing awaiting action. Today, it makes a striking storage piece, display item, or a rugged piece of history for any collection.

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Condition & Quality:

★★★☆ 3.5 / 5 stars

• Solid structure with expected signs of wear.
• Original military stencilling mostly intact and clearly legible.
• Surface abrasions, paint loss, rust on metalwork, and internal staining present.
• Skid rails intact but worn.
• Handle grips functional with typical rusting.

Condition is consistent with authentic field-used surplus. No major damage or instability.

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Rarity Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Original U.S. mortar crates with NATO NSN markings and explosive labels are becoming harder to find, especially with good original paintwork and solid structure.

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About This Crate:

• Designed to transport M73 HE mortar rounds safely across harsh terrains.
• Constructed for stacking, rough handling, and easy deployment.
• Carried into field operations, likely during the Vietnam War period.
• Stencilled lot numbers and batch markings trace its journey through the U.S. military supply chain.

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Collectability:

Collectors of militaria, Vietnam War memorabilia, and historical military gear value crates like this highly. It offers both rugged authenticity and display appeal, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate original field-used equipment.

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How This Item Was Made:

• Machine-cut hardwood panels with mortised joins.
• Heavy-duty steel handles and latches.
• Skid rails fitted for protection and stability.
• Painted in olive drab with sprayed yellow stencilling.
• Marked with military codes and hazard warnings as per 1950s–1970s U.S. Army standards.

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Additional Notes:

• The faint NATO Stock Number and "Box A 52" marking show its categorisation in U.S. military inventories.
• Interior once fitted with partitions for twelve shells — now removed.
• "Lot Various" marking indicates mixed production batches, typical for active deployment crates.

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Recommendations for Care:

• Clean with a dry cloth to preserve the original patina.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the paint or wood.
• Suitable for indoor use; if placing outdoors, consider sealing to protect from further weathering.

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