Original Item: One Only Available. This is a rare German WWII 5cm Leichter Granatwerfer 36 display mortar, incorporating an original wartime baseplate, original elevation system and a BATF compliant reproduction mortar tube. The assembly is completely inert and nonfunctional, having been demilitarized in accordance with applicable BATF guidelines. Accompanying the mortar is an original 5cm leGrW 36 ammunition transportation case, containing ten 3D-printed replica mortar rounds, making this a substantial grouping representing the light infantry mortar equipment employed by German forces during the early years of WWII. The original baseplate exhibits some oxidation and surface pitting, with some minor localized material loss, and has been repainted to preserve the surviving metal. Despite these condition issues, the assembly remains structurally solid and retains the original configuration. This is only the second example of this type that we have had the opportunity to offer. 

Totally nonfunctional and inert, having been demilitarized according to specifications outlined by the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). Not Available for Export.

The 5cm Leichter Granatwerfer 36, officially designated 5cm leGrW 36, was a German light infantry mortar developed by Rheinmetall-Borsig and introduced into military service in 1936. The weapon was intended to provide infantry units with a compact means of delivering explosive projectiles against enemy positions beyond the practical range of hand grenades. Its relatively small dimensions allowed it to be transported with infantry formations, providing an additional form of indirect fire support without requiring the larger equipment associated with heavier mortars.

During the interwar period, military planners placed considerable emphasis on increasing the firepower available to small infantry units. The experience of WWI had demonstrated the value of portable weapons capable of engaging enemy troops in trenches, behind cover, and in positions that could not easily be reached by conventional small arms. Light mortars were developed to address these requirements, offering infantry personnel a means of delivering explosive projectiles against targets beyond the reach of hand-thrown grenades.

The 5cm leGrW 36 was designed to fulfill this role within the German infantry organization. Its compact construction combined the mortar tube, supporting mechanism, and baseplate into a relatively small assembly. The weapon was intended to accompany infantry units during movement and provide localized fire support when encountering enemy positions that required more substantial firepower than rifles or machine guns could deliver.

The design reflected the German military's emphasis on mechanical precision and specialized infantry equipment during the years preceding WWII. However, the mortar was comparatively complicated for a weapon of its size, incorporating features that increased manufacturing demands without necessarily providing corresponding advantages in field service.

Early examples were equipped with a relatively complex optical sighting arrangement, which was subsequently eliminated in 1938 as the design was simplified. Although the weapon was carefully engineered, its practical effectiveness was limited by the relatively small explosive projectile and comparatively short range.

During the early campaigns of WWII, German infantry units employed the 5cm leGrW 36 in support of small-unit operations. The mortar was intended to engage enemy troops occupying covered positions, particularly those beyond the range of hand grenades but within the operational area of infantry formations. Its portability was an advantage, although the small caliber imposed significant limitations upon the destructive effect of its ammunition.

As the war progressed, the German military increasingly recognized that the weapon's performance did not justify its complexity and manufacturing requirements. Its limited range and relatively small explosive charge reduced its effectiveness against many battlefield targets, particularly as combat conditions demanded more powerful and versatile infantry support weapons.

This example has an entirely replica tube with proper replica mounting pieces. The entre baseplate is original, but as shown it is moderately pitted with new-added paint meant to preserve it. The mortar tube still adjusts properly, and even has a bakelite handle. With the tube adjusted to the highest point, the set measures roughly 21” tall. The base plate measures 10 ¾ x 18 ¼”. There is some material loss from oxidation in spots as shown, with some other pieces appearing weak, but the set is solid overall. 

The baseplate looks to have had a new replica level added as well. Due to the heavy repaint, we can not pull any markings from the baseplate or its related pieces. 

Also included with the set is a great 5cm mortar round steel transportation case, inside of which are ten 3D-printed 5cm mortars, with replicated dates. Two of the ten mortars are broken at the shaft, but the other eight are in good shape and the case with the rounds will make for a great display alongside the mortar. The case measures roughly 12" x 9" x 5" and is stenciled in white on one side Oben / l. Gr. W.36 / Munition.

The combination of the original ammunition container and reproduction rounds is particularly useful for illustrating the equipment associated with this relatively uncommon German infantry weapon. Although the replicas have no historical value as original wartime ammunition, they help convey the appearance of the complete system and provide context for the purpose of the surviving transportation case.

The 5cm Leichter Granatwerfer 36 occupies an interesting place in the development of German infantry support weapons. Introduced during the period of rapid German military expansion before WWII, it reflected the effort to provide infantry formations with compact, specialized equipment capable of increasing their battlefield firepower. Its eventual withdrawal from production illustrates the practical limitations of certain early-war weapon designs, particularly those whose mechanical complexity exceeded their tactical effectiveness.

This German WWII 5cm Leichter Granatwerfer 36 display grouping is an unusual combination of original wartime equipment and modern reproduction components. The pitted original baseplate, reproduction mortar tube and mountings, and original ammunition transportation case preserve important aspects of the weapon's configuration while clearly distinguishing original material from later additions. The inclusion of ten 3D-printed replica rounds further illustrates the ammunition associated with the design, although two are damaged. The grouping provides a useful physical representation of a short-lived German infantry support weapon whose development and limited effectiveness reflect the changing requirements of the early WWII battlefield. With its original baseplate and marked ammunition case, it is particularly relevant to collections focused on German WWII infantry equipment, light mortars, and historical ordnance displays.

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).