Original German WWII 5cm Mortar Round Leichter Granatwerfer 36 Transportation Case Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available.  5cm mortar round steel transportation case for the 5 cm Leichter Granatwerfer 36 (lighter grenade launcher). The rounds it carried are High Explosive anti personnel bombs with a finned tail, of 8 blades, that would carry the cartridge. The bodies are manufactured from 4mm thick mild steel, with a screw threaded fuze hole that would accept a quick acting aluminum or Bakelite Wgr. Z. 38 nose fuse. The body would have contained a bursting charge of TNT, of approximately 4 1/2 ounces in weight. Muzzle velocity was 246 feet-per-second with a range of 55-558 yards. The bombs would be transported in this a specially designed steel transit case with capacity of 10 bombs. Box measures 12″ x 9″ x 5″.

Case is offered in good condition and shows signs of age and rust. Bears original paint and various German WW2 markings.

The 5 cm Leichter Granatwerfer 36 (lighter grenade launcher), is a German 5cm light mortar that saw service in early World War II. Also known by the designation 5 cm leGrW 36, it was developed by Rheinmetall-Borsig and put into service in 1936. As with most small caliber mortars, it was intended as a long range grenade launcher, having greater accuracy than rifle-launched grenades. It was used to attack small targets that were beyond the range of a thrown hand grenade. It was lightweight and easily transported, making it a great option for increasing the range and firepower of infantry.

However, as with many early-war German weapons, it was somewhat over-engineered. As originally issued, it came with a complex optical sight, which was done away with in 1938. Production was then stopped in 1941, due to the 5 cm leGrW 36 being too small for the intended role. The shells it fired were not powerful enough, and the range was limited. After this it was used mainly by second line troops until the end of the war.