Original Item: Only One Available. This is of the nicest Panzerschrecks we have ever seen outside a museum and perhaps one of the only available on the collector’s market at this time. This is a stunning example of one of the most iconic WWII anti-tank weapons and will become the centerpiece of any world war two collection. This item requires no type of license as it has been fully deactivated according to specifications outlined by the BATF, rendering it totally inert and incapable of ever being converted to an explosive device. This is an original German Panzerschreck that was not exported to Finland hence no SA mark.

Our example is in near excellent condition, all parts are present, including the often lost original shield glass aiming window (Panzerschrecks were issued with two pieces of glass, one for use and one spare, we have only one), it has also been repainted at some point after the war, it has the corrected fluted RPzB 54 barrel tube to increase strength, a complete shield, correct sights, trigger assembly, ignition system (which has also been deactivated), period correct sling, and after spot paint stripping is faintly marked WAa45!

History of the Panzerschreck RPzB.54- The RPzB 43 Panzerschreck (Tank Terror) was an enlarged version of the U.S. M1 Bazooka being scarcely more then a length of steel tube with a shoulder rest and firing arrangements attached, hence the alternative German nickname of Ofenrohr (Stovepipe). The caliber was selected simply because 88mm hollow charge warheads were already in production for launching from the R-Werfer 43 but with rockets for the RPzB 43 there was a difference. Having noted that the American M6 HEAT rocket was ignition method was altered accordingly, resulting in the RPzBGr 4322 weighing 3.25kg (7.2lb). However the Germans decided not to adopt the battery-powered ignition circuitry rapidly developing and adopting a magneto-driven ignition method. It is interesting to note that the Americans later adopted a magneto ignition system for their M9/M9A1 launchers.

The unexpected advent of the M1 Bazooka in Tunisa made a considerable impact on the German military establishment. Not only did the Bazooka concept present a considerable danger to German armor but the simplicity, low cost and potential of the launchers design made a great impression. The immediate result was the abandonment of the R-Werfer 43 in favor of the novel Bazooka rocket delivery system. Within weeks the first examples of the 88mm (3.4in) Raketenpanzerbüchse43 (88mm RPzB 43) were coming off the HASAG production line at Meuselwitz. Most R-Werfer 43's already produced were sent to Tunisia or Italy and were soon forgotten or lost in action. Many were diverted and placed among the defensive works covering the Normandy beaches as part of the Atlantic Wall defenses.

The weight of a loaded 88mm RPzB 43 was 9.5kg (20.9lb). Amour penetration performance remained as before ie 160mm (6.24in) of amour plate set at an angle of 60°. The length of the RPzB 43 (1.64m) meant that to handle it effectively called for a team of two, one acting as the loader and carrying five ready-use rockets on a special backpack frame. Only when a target approached was a rocket loaded into the rear of the launching tube where it was held by a retaining catch and connected by the loader to the firing circuit via two thin wires. The firer used simple fixed sights for aiming and cocked the firing arrangements by pulling back a spring-loaded lever. Operating the trigger produced a current for a primer to ignite the rocket motor and launch the rocket.

RPzB 43 teams had to be masters of concealment and stealth for the practical range of the RPzBGr 4322 rocket was a maximum of 150m (492ft). Combat ranges were frequently considerable less. A trained team could launch four or five rockets in one minute. Panzerschreck warheads were also highly effective against field fortifications or buildings during fighting in built up areas.

The RPzB 43 was very rapidly accepted into service and soon became the preferred portable anti-tank weapon for infantry formations. By 1944 the weapon was so well integrated that each infantry regiment had an establishment of 36 held by the regimental anti-tank company, along with three 75mm (2.9in) Pak 40 towed anti-tank guns. The so-called Volksgrenadier infantry regiments of the latter war years were meant to have a planned 72 Panzerschrecken.

By mid-1944 the RPzB 43 was well into the process of being withdrawn from front line units in favor of the improved 88mm (3.4in) RPzB 54. The RPzB.54 Panzerschreck antitank rocket launcher differs from the Ofenrohr primary by addition of the protective steel shield with aiming glass window, which protects shooter’s face and hands from rocket back blast. Another improvement is more elaborate sight, which allows for better windage, temperature and range adjustments, as well as the addition of 4 steel flutes which run the length of the barrel and increased strength.

By 1944 the Panzerschreck series had already become so important that production was in progress in seven centers and many others were concerned with sub assemblies. The simplicity of the RPzB 54 and its lack of demand for critical raw materials or manufacturing resources were such that it became an integral weapon in the German effort.

Specifications:

German WWII Panzerschreck, Raketen Panzerbüchse 54

Caliber: 88.9mm

Action: Electrically ignited solid rocket fuel propellant

Crew: 2

Range: 150 yards

Weight of Round: 7 lbs 4 oz shaped charge

Armor Penetration: 4 inches armor plate

Overall Length: 64 inches

Weight: 20 lbs 4 oz