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ORIGINAL WW II GERMAN PANZERSCHRECK 54 ANTI TANK

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
ORIGINAL WW II GERMAN PANZERSCHRECK 54 ANTI TANK

ROCKET LAUNCHER (C&R). Cal. 88mm. S# IRS2726. Manufactured in 1945. Designed by Hugo Schneider AG (HASAG) & put into production in late 1943. The German Panzerschreck was initially Inspired by a captured American bazooka. It is shoulder fired & launched a fin stabilized rocket with a shaped charge warhead. One major design difference between them was that the Panzerschreck was designed to utilize a mechanical firing system rather than an electric firing mechanism like the bazooka. This helped avoid malfunctions inherent in electrical systems which necessitated batteries. Each round, as loaded had an igniter that was inserted into the connector junction at the rear of the launcher. Upon firing, it would ignite the rocket motor, which would reach its full velocity of 100 meters per second within approximately 3 meters distance. Upon impact, the fuse would ignite the shaped charge warhead. This Panzerschreck 54 was designed as a lightweight infantry anti-tank weapon. Blast shield still present w/ intact sight glass & original spare sight glass in the correct compartment. Leather sling attached & serviceable on top side of weapon. Front & rear sights present. This is an exceedingly scarce example in as found condition with no attempted restoration or refinishing. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 2 inert Panzerschreck rounds in original wooden crate. Rounds are painted black w/ white stenciled numbers & German eagles. Marked “4322” the designation for standard grenades, not practice or drill rounds. Crate has lost the majority of its original finish but still retains original markings, though difficult to read. Also included is a replacement blast shield, in terrific condition. Fully functional lock band, clear glass & spare glass in storage compartment. CONDITION: Overall appearance & finish is nice w/ lots of original green paint remaining on the tube. Original blast shield is void of most painted finish & covered in scale. Spare sight glass still has original papers, latch rusted in place & not moved to check functionality. Blast shield metal attachment strap & hook portion of fastener present, however, buckle & loop not present. Wooden hand grip assembly retains very little original green paint. Leather strap fair & cracking, but still pliable. Bore intact & serviceable with no dents; scale present throughout interior. Scattered scale on exterior. Firing mechanism cocks & safety engages & disengages properly. Trigger functions correctly to activate plunger. Secondary firing actuation linkage which runs through shoulder rest does not move. Firing actuator at rear of tube retains its spring, actuating plate & steel cable. Firing pin intact & present. Projectile retention latch present & functional. This weapon is currently not serviceable as is. Heavily oxidized with scale. Some of the original blue & green finish still present. NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE. (03-1576/JZ). CURIO CLASS III. $2,500-4000