Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Mortar, Artillery |
Common Name |
DBT 50 MM Grenade Launcher |
Catalog Number |
1974.03.01 |
Date |
ca. 1940 |
Material(s) |
Cast iron/Steel |
Dimensions |
H-20.25 W-12 L-27.75 inches |
Description |
This is a DBT 50 MM Grenade Launcher. The DBT is for the inventors last names, which are Denys, Bertrand, and Troisfontaines. The weapon is like a mortar, but it has a trigger, so it can be fired when the gunman is ready. It is made of cast iron and steel. The barrel on this gun is a replacement, the original one got damaged and is lost. It has welds on it at the back and in the middle, to connect two pieces of iron together, the welds are by hand. It has a vertical unipod, that extends from under the weapon and can fold again near the end. It has a small plate just above the sharp point the digs into the ground for stability. On the left and right sides of the receiver, at the back of the barrel, there are two levels on each side. There is also a knob that turns and comes up, maybe a sight, and a small metal pin that was used to read the elevation, but that part is now gone because it was attached to the original barrel. The firing mechanism is like a rifle, the weapon has a bolt, which is used to push a bullet, probably blank, up to the rear of the mortar shell. There is also a trigger with a trigger guard under the receiver with a rope attached to it, with a wooden handle on the end, to pull in order to discharge the weapon. The base near the rear spreads out to two flat sharp ends that also dig into the ground. It also has a triangular shaped hole in between the weapon and the base. There are two small metal loops on both ends of the base, probably for a strap to carry the weapon. There is also a handle on the left side of the receiver to carry it. |
Notes |
The DBT represents the names of the inventors; Denys, Bertrand, Troisfontaines who filed for the patent on March 20, 1934. |
Collection |
Robert Rubendunst Collection |
Event |
World War II |
People |
Robendunst, Mr. Robert |
Subjects |
Weapons Mortars (Ordnance) Guns |
Search Terms |
World War II World War, 1939-1945 |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |