AN-MK 23 MOD 1 Practice Dive Bomb

One of the best things about running an antique shop has to be uncovering the many unique and interesting items we come across. Take this AN-MK 23 MOD 1 cast iron WWII practice dive bomb for instance. We came across this particular item in a random lot that caught our attention at an online auction.

After getting in any item, we have to do our research and identify, verify, and appraise the item before it goes up for sale. While this was initially listed as a dummy mortar shell, we quickly realized it wasn't for a mortar and was one of three types of practice bombs designed for low altitude horizontal bombing practice.

These dummy munitions were primed with a 10-gauge shotgun shell containing black powder and a red phosphorus pyrotechnic charge enabling pilots and observers to locate where they had hit and determine how successful the test runs had been.

The specs for all three types of these practice dive bombs can be found in a PDF file located here. This one was an item I really enjoyed learning about and holding this remnant of a time when the world was in total chaos really made you think.

Keep checking back to read about other interesting items and unique artifacts as we get them in.