US, Cold War Era, M20 "Super Bazooka" 3.5-Inch Rocket Launcher, Matching Serial No. 2619, Mod.58 Optical Sight, Bipod & Sling, Old Spec UK Deactivated

*US, Cold War Era, M20 "Super Bazooka" 3.5-Inch Rocket Launcher, Matching Serial No. 2619, Mod.58 Optical Sight, Bipod & Sling, Old Spec UK Deactivated*

- Original U.S. M20 "Super Bazooka" 3.5-inch anti-tank rocket launcher
- Matching serial number 2619 stamped in two locations
- Complete with scarce Mod.58 metric optical sight assembly and original rubber eyecup
- Original folding bipod, shoulder rest and leather carrying sling
- Metric "DECAMETROS" elevation/range drum calibrated from 300-2,000 metres
- Attractive original olive drab military finish
- Old Specification Birmingham Proof House deactivation dated 12 January 1996

An excellent and highly complete U.S. M20 "Super Bazooka" 3.5-inch rocket launcher, serial number 2619, retaining its original Mod.58 optical sight assembly, folding bipod, shoulder rest and leather carrying sling.

The launcher is correctly serial numbered 2619, stamped both on the main launch tube and again on the blast shield assembly, confirming matching principal components. Finished throughout in its original olive drab military finish, it remains an exceptionally complete example of one of the most recognisable infantry anti-tank weapons of the Cold War.

Particularly desirable is the retention of its complete optical sight assembly. The sight incorporates the later Mod.58 metric elevation drum, prominently marked "DECAMETROS", with graduations from 30 to 200, providing firing solutions from approximately 300 to 2,000 metres. The sight also retains its original adjustment controls, calibration windows and the increasingly scarce original black rubber eyecup, all of which remain exceptionally well preserved with crisp white markings and very little wear.

The launcher further retains its original folding iron sights, pressed-steel blast shield, shoulder rest, folding bipod and leather carrying sling, resulting in an outstandingly complete display example.

Approximate Measurements: Overall length: approximately 175 cm (69 inches). Calibre: 3.5 inches (88.9 mm)

History Note:
The M20 "Super Bazooka" entered U.S. service during the closing stages of the Second World War and rapidly became the principal American shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon throughout the Korean War. Chambered for the powerful 3.5-inch rocket, it offered a substantial improvement in armour penetration over the earlier 2.36-inch Bazooka and remained in widespread military service throughout the Cold War.

This particular launcher represents a later Cold War configuration rather than an early Korean War example. Most notably, it is fitted with the desirable Mod.58 optical sight assembly incorporating a metric elevation drum marked "DECAMETROS", calibrated from 30 to 200 decametres (approximately 300-2,000 metres). Unlike the yard-calibrated sights used on standard U.S. Army M20 launchers, this metric sight indicates that the launcher was either manufactured for, refurbished for, or subsequently issued to a NATO military using the metric system during the late 1950s or early 1960s.

Whether U.S.-manufactured and later upgraded or produced under licence, the launcher clearly reflects the continuing evolution of the M20 during the Cold War, when it remained an important anti-armour weapon throughout NATO forces before eventually being superseded by newer rocket launchers and guided anti-tank systems.

*Condition*
Presented in excellent overall military condition with an attractive olive drab finish showing only light handling and storage wear consistent with careful military service. The finish remains remarkably even throughout, with only minor edge wear to exposed high points.

The launcher retains matching serial number 2619 in two locations, with all visible stampings remaining clear and legible. The complete Mod.58 optical sight assembly is exceptionally well preserved, retaining crisp white range markings, clearly legible DECAMETROS graduations, adjustment controls and its original black rubber eyecup, which remains intact with no obvious deterioration.

The folding bipod, blast shield, shoulder rest, sling and iron sights are all present and complete. Examination of the bore shows the original deactivation steel bar securely welded within the launch tube, while the outer aluminium tube remains intact and free from the extensive longitudinal cuts associated with modern deactivation standards, preserving the launcher's superb display appearance. Please view photographs as part of the condition report.

Deactivation:
Accompanied by its original Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House Deactivation Certificate, numbered DA71507, dated 12 January 1996, and certified to Specification 'A' (Old Specification). The certificate records serial number 2619, calibre 3.5 inches, barrel length 69 inches, and country of origin U.S.A., all of which correspond with the launcher. Although the certificate describes the launcher as an "M25", this is clearly an administrative error, as the launcher itself is the standard U.S. M20 Super Bazooka pattern. The matching serial number, dimensions and Birmingham proofing confirm the certificate relates to this launcher.