Original German WWII GC400 12/16V 400 Watt Generator made by DKW and Horch – Serial 40463 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a rare early WWII NSDAP Military GG 400 portable Generator by Auto Union, which was made by DKW and Horch cars, which later became Audi. It’s a direct current generator 400W type b – The Germans called it the Funkwürfel (Radio Cube) or also as Panzerwürfel (Armor Cube). The machine is driven by an air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke engine with 32 cm displacement and 0.9 HP at 4,800 rpm. The generator produces 400 W and has an output voltage of either 12V or 16V and 33.5 A. Starting is done by cranking or, if a 12 V collector (= battery) is connected, electrically at the push of a button. Besides mobile use for powering radios and charging collectors, it was also mounted in some armored fighting vehicles.

This generator runs, but it does not give any charge. It bears a lot of different serial numbers on different parts of the machine. The main serial number is: 40463, and even still has a German acceptance stamp on it. It measures 13″ x 10″ x 12″, and weights approximately 60lbs. It comes with a manual (in German), but we believe it is a reprint.

Prior to WWII, DKW was Mercedes Benz’s main competitor in Grand Prix racing, creating high-quality and powerful racing cars. This very unusual operational example was manufactured to a design intended for German paratroopers (Fallschrimjäger).

During WWII’s early phases, These portable generators were used by the German Luftwaffe in the early stages of WWII. They were issued to German Fallschrimjäger battalions and were utilized in Europe, especially during the Blitzkrieg. Communication was an important aspect of the German strategy. Many vital pieces of equipment, including telephones, may be powered by the GG 400. Later in the war the mighty Tiger tank carried four as backup units.