Description
2/24/26- For sale is a German WW2 Panzerschreck anti-tank rocket launcher with one rocket and an original ammo crate. The Panzerschreck was Germany's heaviest infantry portable anti-tank weapon and was largely inspired by the American bazooka. The Panzerschreck was introduced in 1943 and served until the end of the war in both the East and the West. Based on the markings, this Panzerschreck was one of a shipment sent to Finland in the summer of 1944 to use against the Soviets. The set offered for sale consists of four parts, including the launcher tube, blast shield, rocket round, and ammo crate.
The launcher tube is 63 inches long and just under 4 inches wide. The launcher has a rear sight, front sight, shoulder rest, trigger, cocking lever, two loops on top for attaching a strap, handguard, and electrical ignition system. The launcher will cock and fire although the electrical components most likely no longer function. The front sight is marked with several increments for both range and the type of ammunition used. The underside of the handguard is marked with an upside down "1" and the serial "1034". These numbers were applied by Finland after the shipment was received. The upside down "1" is likely an equivalent of an acceptance proof while the serial is the Finnish inventory number. Just above the Finnish serial is the German manufacturer code "nbe", a known maker of Panzerschrecks and a known manufacturer of the Finnish contract. nbe stands for HASAG, Eisen- u. Metallwerke GmbH Werk, Tschenstochau, Polen. The entire exterior of the tube has been heavily repainted in a dull tan-brown color. There are a few minor dents and bends, especially to the smaller pieces like sights and handguards, but all pieces are intact and fully attached. The rear of the tube has had a hole cut and the front of the tube has a bar welded in place so it is fully legally deactivated. There is some rust/grime inside the tube but much of it can likely be scrubbed out. Tube is in overall excellent condition although repainted.
The blast shield is about 16 inches tall and 13 inches wide. It was intended to protect the shooter's face and eyes from the backblast of the rocket and any debris that might be kicked up by the launch. The metal is relatively thin so it would not have been effective at stopping bullets or explosives. The viewport has a small glass pane about three inches square. The back of the shield has a small hinged compartment with two spare viewport panes. The space glass is wrapped in paper and has some staining and appropriate aging to the package. The shield also has a ring and attachment clasp to hold it to the launcher tube. There are minor bents and dents around the edges of the shield but no serious damage. The shield has been heavily repainted the same color as the tube. Overall in excellent condition although repainted.
The rocket is made up of two parts, the warhead and the rocket motor. The warhead is a shaped charge with an elongated nose, designed to project a jet of explosive energy against a focused spot on the enemy armor, punching a small hole through rather than simply blasting it open with raw explosive force. The rocket motor screws on to the base of the warhead and has a build in finned base, providing some measure of stability in flight. The warhead and rocket both have some trace of original paint but significant patina and paint loss but appear physically intact. The impact detonator is still attached to the warhead. There is a faint WaffenAmt eagle on the rocket motor and a trace of the original stenciled markings, indicating original production. Warhead and motor are overall in fair condition.
The warhead crate appears to be an original WW2 German crate. It has the appropriate markings and weight designations that have been seen on other Panzerfaust ammo crates. There are a few packing labels and stickers on the crate that are faded and partly damaged but they generally indicate manufacture in 1944. The large "X" on the box lid indicates that the round is for warm weather, in contrast to some of the specialized cold weather ammo that was made. The crate has mild wear but no deep cracks or serious damage. The crate is in overall very good condition.
