C3 ELSIE AP MINE (Historical Prop)

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The C3A1 and C3A2 (collectively known as Elsie) are Canadian minimum metal anti-personnel mines. Minor differences between them make it hard to distinguish visually. Elsie mines were first deployed by Canada in 1962, the United States in 1965, and Japan in 1967. The mine resembles a short, stubby carrot in appearance. Generally, Elsie mines are colored black or khaki for use in desert environments. They can be easily spray painted to blend in with an arctic or jungle scenario. Training (i.e., inert) versions are colored blue. Operation An Elsie mine has a small raised pressure plate on the top surface covered with flock material, designed as camouflage. Sustained downward pressure on the pressure plate cocks a spring-loaded striker. When pressed down 2.5 cm, a retaining ball bearing flips sideways into a recess. This frees the striker, held under tension by a coiled spring beneath it, which snaps upwards into the stab detonator, thereby detonating the explosive charge. Construction An Elsie mine is constructed mainly from plastic, making it difficult to detect. The mine comprises two separate items: the body and charge. The body is fitted with a protective dust cap, removed to insert the charge. Around the shaft of the charge is a restraining safety clip to prevent accidental detonation. This clip is removed when emplacing the mine, at which point it becomes armed. Elsie mines are supplied with an aluminum detector ring, but this can be easily removed. Without it, the mine becomes a minimal metal mine. The Elsie mine uses a shaped charge, with an unusually small explosive filling (9.45 grams) compared to most anti-personnel designs. However, the shaped charge ensures that most of the force is directed upwards. As a result, it can penetrate a 12-ply vehicle tire or 3/8 inch mild steel plate. A person injured by an Elsie mine generally has a small, deep, circular penetration wound extending through their foot bones and out the other side. The wound is severe but rarely fatal, assuming prompt emergency medical care. Due to its simplicity, the Elsie mine is not resistant to blast-clearing methods like other designs. The Elsie mine was formerly in service with Canadian and British armed services, manufactured by both nations. However, all stocks of anti-personnel mines have been destroyed by Canada and the UK to comply with the Ottawa Treaty. Specifications Diameter: 51 mm Height: 76 mm Weight: 80 grams Explosive content: 9.45 g of Composition A5 (98.5% RDX mixed with 1.5% stearic acid) Operating pressure: 7.25 to 13.6 kg Variants C3A1 - has an explosive filling of tetryl C3A2 - has an explosive filling of Comp A5 M25 - A United States copy of the mine Type 67 - A Japanese copy of the mine