The National WWII Museum, 2008.193.001
The 4.2" Chemical Mortar was a very heavy weapon, weighing over 300 pounds when assembled. Although the weapon could be broken down into three more manageable components, it was still an extremely difficult weapon to move. The M1A1 handcart allowed the mortar crew to move their weapon with relative ease over good ground. The cart also had provisions for carrying spare parts, tools, and a limited amount of ammunition.