Original Item: Only One Available. This is a rare original inert German WWII Panzerfaust 60 anti-tank launcher tube retaining its flip-up sight and firing mechanism, together with an original inert projectile tail assembly. Both components show substantial age, oxidation, and field wear, with portions of the original Dunkelgelb paint and instructional markings still visible.

The Panzerfaust 60, formally known as the Panzerfaust 60m, was the third major production version of the disposable German anti-tank weapon. Production began during the latter part of 1944, and it became the most commonly encountered Panzerfaust model used during the closing stages of WWII.

Unlike a rocket launcher, the Panzerfaust operated as a recoilless weapon. A propellant charge inside the open-ended tube launched an oversized shaped-charge projectile from the front while the expanding gases escaped from the rear. This created a dangerous backblast but eliminated the need for a conventional recoil system.

The Panzerfaust 60 was intended for use at ranges of approximately 60 meters and represented a significant improvement over the earlier Panzerfaust 30. It incorporated a larger launcher tube, an increased propellant charge, and an improved flip-up sight and firing mechanism. The shaped-charge warhead was capable of defeating approximately 200mm of armor under ideal conditions.

This example retains its original flip-up rear sight and firing mechanism. The tube can be identified as the 60-meter pattern by the location of the propellant-charge retaining screw at approximately the same level as the trigger mechanism on the opposite side of the tube. On the later Panzerfaust 100, the retaining screw was positioned farther down the tube due to the different propellant-charge arrangement.

The launcher retains portions of its original Dunkelgelb, or dark yellow, painted finish. Considerable finish loss, oxidation, scratches, and weathering are present throughout, giving the tube the appearance of a heavily field-used or battlefield-recovered example.

Sections of the original instructional markings remain visible, particularly on the left side of the tube. The markings on the opposite side are largely worn away. These surviving painted instructions are especially desirable, as they were often lost through handling, corrosion, and postwar storage.

Also included is an original inert projectile tail assembly. The explosive warhead is no longer present. The remaining tail contains no known explosive components and shows substantial oxidation and deterioration.

All of the sheet-metal stabilizing fins are broken or missing. Remnants of two fins remain attached to the wooden tail section. The tail assembly displays wear and weathering consistent with the launcher tube, although there is no documentation confirming that the two components were originally issued or recovered together.

The exact history of the grouping is unknown. Its heavy wear and weathering are consistent with a battlefield pickup or field-recovered souvenir, but this cannot be confirmed without supporting provenance.

This launcher tube and tail assembly are represented as completely inert and incapable of functioning. No propellant, explosive warhead, detonator, or other energetic material is present. It is intended exclusively as a historical collectible and display piece. Federal classification of inert or expended ordnance can depend upon its precise construction, condition, and method of deactivation. 

The surviving original finish, instructional markings, complete sight and firing mechanism, and accompanying projectile tail assembly make this an especially impressive example of one of the most recognizable German anti-tank weapons of WWII.

NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.

NOT AVAILABLE TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS.

California law broadly defines destructive devices to include certain rockets, rocket-propelled projectiles, similar devices, and launching devices. IMA therefore does not offer this item for sale or shipment to California.

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).