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Korean war US Army M20 A1 B1 Bazooka -
Bazooka is the common nickname for a man-portable rocket launcher widely fielded by the US Army during World War II. Also referred to as the "Stovepipe", the innovative Bazooka was amongst the first-generation of rocket propelled anti-tank weapons used in infantry combat. Featuring a solid rocket motor for propulsion, it allowed for high explosive (HE) and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads to be delivered against armored vehicles, machine gun nests, and fortified bunkers at ranges beyond that of a standard thrown grenade or mine. The universally-applied nickname arose from the M9 variant's vague resemblance to the tubular musical instrument of the same name invented and popularized in the 1930s by US comedian Bob Burns.
The success of the more powerful German Panzerschreck caused the bazooka to be completely redesigned at the close of World War II. A larger, 3.5 in (88.9 mm) model was adopted, the M20 "Super Bazooka", nearly identical in size and power to the World War II German Panzerschreck. The M20 weighed 14.3 pounds (6.5 kg) and fired a hollow shaped-charge 9 lb (4 kg) M28A2 HEAT rocket when used in the anti-tank role. It was also operated by a two-man team and had a claimed rate of fire of six shots per minute. As with its predecessor, the M20 could also fire rockets with either practice (M29A2) or WP smoke (T127E3/M30) warheads. Having learned from experience of the sensitivity of the bazooka and its ammunition to moisture and harsh environments, the ammunition for the new weapon was packaged in moisture-resistant packaging, and the M20's field manual contained extensive instructions on launcher lubrication and maintenance, as well as storage of rocket ammunition.
The item featured here is a Us Army bazooka. Type M20 A1 B1. 3.5 inch projectile. As issued during the
Korean war.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for Korean War US collectibles. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined
points that should be noted.
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The bazooka could be taken down in half for ease of transportation. A multiple-bend structure
allowed the weapon to rest on the shoulders of the soldiers.
The rocket was inserted from the rear. A lever was pushed down to lock it in place. The trigger had\
a safety mechanism that kept the trigger locked when engaged.
The sighting mechanism was hinged. The eyecup could be folded to get it out of the way.
The hole in the side and slits in multiple places are the cuts done by the Army as a means to
deactivete the weapon.
The side has block lettering that reads:
Launcher, Rocket
3.5 inc M20 A1 B1
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This Korean War US military collectible may be currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other Korean war US military collectibles, you can do so by
going to our
US Military Collectibles Price Guide.
Where we cover items from the Army, air Force, Navy and other organizations.
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