BACKGROUND: The first German WWII rifle grenade launcher was a spigot type developed in 1941 in an attempt to provide anti-tank capability to small infantry units but it proved ineffective and was discontinued in 1942. In early 1943 a second pattern, launcher cup type, rifle grenade launcher was introduced and utilized until the end of the war. At least eight different types of grenades were utilized with the launcher including anti-personnel, anti-tank, smoke, flare and propaganda leaflet grenades. The anti-tank Grenade 40 was developed in 1943 for use with the rifle grenade launcher discharge cup, (Schießbecher), which was compatible with most German rifles.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 46cm x 20cm x 20cm, nicely constructed, hardwood case with dovetailed corner joints. The fold back top lid has two inset steel hinges to the reverse and an inset steel pressure closure clip to the obverse center. The top lid has an olive drab web carrying strap secured by two screwed and nailed on wooden slats. The case features white stenciled designation script to one side and the top lid, "gr.G.Pzgr", indicating Grosse Gewehr-Panzergranate. Case marked to the front "Heeres Munition Gesamtgewicht 12 Kg", (Army Munitions Total weight 12 kilograms). Paper label to the front and inside cover indicating "20 große Gewehr-Panzergranate". Labels are worn but some of the writing is legible. Two pieces of wood are missing from the front of the case but otherwise very nice condition.