Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine inert Panzerschreck RPzB.54 rocket offered in good relic condition. The exterior show heavy pitting and this example may be considered a “relic”, but the overall shape and form is without significant deformity, namely the tail fin section which is the first place to get dented. The set does retain the original bakelite fuse cap top, which is partially screwed in as it is now seized. The rocket measures 26 inches overall. Due to the condition the rocket does not unscrew. Panzerschreck rockets are much harder to find than the launchers and this original; wartime example is sure to fill a hole in many collections.

Not Available for Export.

The side of the nose cap is stamped AZ5071 St. Wa1331 44, denoting 1944 manufacture. AZ5071 Stands for Aufschlagzünder 5071 (Impact/Point-Detonating Fuze 5071). The very top bakelite cap of the fuze is marked jne, for known fuse and ordnance maker Presswerk Mollberg & Co., located in Hofgeismar Bez. Kassel. The rocket displays very nicely despite the heavy pitting, with clear markings on the fuze.

The German Panzerschreck, formally part of the Raketenpanzerbüchse family, was developed after German forces encountered the American bazooka in North Africa. The concept was adapted into a larger 8.8cm reusable anti-tank rocket launcher, first appearing as the RPzB 43 and subsequently as the improved RPzB 54.

The RPzB 54 is best recognized by the large protective shield fitted to the launcher, introduced to protect the operator from the rocket’s backblast. The associated 8.8cm rockets were produced in large numbers and became an important infantry anti-tank weapon during the later stages of WWII.

Surviving original rockets are generally encountered less often than launcher tubes, particularly in substantially complete condition, because their thin sheet-metal tail assemblies and fuze components are especially vulnerable to deterioration.

The combination of the 1944-dated AZ5071 St. fuze, WaA331 inspection marking, jne-marked Bakelite cap, intact overall profile, surviving tail-fin section, and heavily ground-dug surface makes this a strong relic example of a German WWII Panzerschreck rocket. The extensive pitting, seized fuze cap, and non-separable body are the principal condition issues, while the clearly legible wartime markings remain its strongest collector features.

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).