Hello,

I've found this mine in a flea market this morning (the seller didn't know what he sells). It's the first time, I've seen a M2A1 mine in stainless steel. Is it a practise model ???

Compared to another "classical" I own, the dimensions are the same, and the shell from the 1943 model fits perfectly into the stainless steel model. Only the cap has a different shape (higher on the stainless model).
Thanks in advance for your help.

Bertrand 

Is it stainless steel, or is it a steel model that's been chromed? Check it with a magnet and see if it sticks to it. Stainless steel won't attract a magnet.

25 minutes ago, robinb said:

Is it stainless steel, or is it a steel model that's been chromed? Check it with a magnet and see if it sticks to it. Stainless steel won't attract a magnet.

Not true.  Depends on the grade of Stainless.  Many forks and cheaper grade are magnetic while surgical instruments are non magnetic.

Robinb, I think you're right. Upon closer inspection (see pictures below), I think the mine has been chrome-plated. But why?

It looks like it's chrome plated. 

Many ordnance manufacturers chrome plated their products (grenades, mortars, rockets, mines, etc.) as presentation items.