Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce original German WWI fragmentation round for the Granatenwerfer 16, or Grenade Thrower 16, spigot mortar. The projectile measures approximately 11 inches long and remains in very good overall condition, retaining substantial original finish and what appears to be traces of red paint within some of the recessed areas. Of particular interest, this example is fitted with an unusual three-fin tail assembly, a configuration that appears to represent an early variation and may possibly indicate Austro-Hungarian manufacture or influence, though we have not been able to confirm the exact origin. 

Unloaded or dummy grenades, artillery shell casings, and similar devices, which are cut or drilled in an BATF-approved manner so that they cannot be used as ammunition components for destructive devices, are not considered NFA weapons. This example is in total compliance and is NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.

The fin and shaft assembly still unscrews from the body, allowing inspection of the hollow interior. The thick internal detonator tube remains present. There is some denting and material loss to the fins, while the central shaft extends beyond the lower edge of the fin assembly, an unusual construction detail that further distinguishes this example from more commonly encountered later patterns.

These were used both for direct fire and indirect fire, and had a relatively rapid rate of "throwing." There is some loss and denting to the fins, and the shaft extends down past the end of the fins, an interesting detail which is why we believe it to be earlier or possibly even an Austro-Hungarian variant. There is some material loss at the tip but that piece still unscrews.

The Granatenwerfer 16 was a lightweight German infantry support weapon based on the spigot-mortar principle. Instead of placing the projectile inside a conventional barrel, the grenade’s hollow central shaft was fitted over a projecting firing rod. This allowed the launcher to remain relatively compact and portable while still delivering fragmentation grenades at useful battlefield ranges.

The weapon could be employed for both direct and indirect fire and was valued for its relatively rapid rate of fire and portability. The launcher and baseplate could be separated for transport, allowing a small crew to carry the system through trenches, shell holes, mud, and other terrain that was difficult for heavier Minenwerfer weapons.

The combination of the unusual three-fin tail assembly, surviving internal detonator tube, removable tail section, substantial original finish, and atypical extended shaft makes this a particularly interesting Granatenwerfer projectile. Whether it represents an early German production form or a related Austro-Hungarian variant remains open to further research, but its construction and condition make it an especially worthwhile example of WWI infantry-support ordnance.

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).