Original Item: Only Set of 3 only. Totally inert per guidelines provided by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) this is very nice set of three German WWII projectile rounds for handheld launching devices. Two of these are rifled, for use in the Kampfpistole, often called the Z-gun. The third might work with it, but was originally developed for the Sturmpistole, which was a customized Leuchpistole 34 or 42 with a shoulder stock. The Sturmpistole was never wholeheartedly embraced, and the rounds ended up being used with the Standard Leuchtpistole LP34 and LP42 launchers.

Functionally the only real difference between the two systems was that the Kampfpistole had a rifled barrel, while the others were smoothbore, making cartridge identification relatively simple.

This set consists of one each of the following:

- A Fallschirm Leuchtpatrone (Parachute Flare) for the Kampfpistole / Z-gun. This was a non-lethal parachute retarded flare that could be used for battlefield illumination or as a signal flare. The projectile can be identified by its F. Leucht. Z. marking on the base of the projectile, which is still present. The top cap removes for interior inspection. It is also maker coded on the bottom with cbl, for Vereingte Deutsch Metallwerke AG, Süddeutsche Metallindustrie, located in Nürnberg W. This company specifically made rounds for rounds for flare pistols.

- A Sprengpatrone (explosive cartridge) for the Kampfpistole / Z- gun. This was was a nose fuzed high explosive grenade that was used for low angle direct fire where range and accuracy were needed. It was not recommended for use beyond 180 m (200 yd) due to inaccuracy or less than 46 m (50 yd) due to the risk from shell fragments. The top unscrews for internal inspection and It is also marked cbl, for the same maker as the Parachute Flare.

- A Wurfgranate Patrone 326 (Throwing Grenade Cartridge). This was a small, breech loaded, fin stabilized, explosive grenade, with a nose fuze that was designed for short range low angle direct fire missions. It was not recommended for use beyond 180 m (200 yd) due to inaccuracy or less than 46 m (50 yd) due to the risk from shell fragments. This example still has a lot of the original paint, and is maker marked edq 2k 41, for 1941 manufacture by Deutsche Waffen- & Munitionsfabriken AG, Werke Lübeck-Schlutup, Wesloerstrasse. This maker manufactured all types of ammunition during the war, particularly large caliber machine gun cartridges. The base is also marked aj, for Sörensen & Köster, located in Neumünster in Holstein (Brachenfeld). This was a die casting and iron founding company that manufactured casings for many different flare pistol cartridges.

It is also Waffenamt marked, and breaks down completely so that the internal structure can be examined. It even still has the deactivated firing mechanism and chambers still intact. These are quite rare on the market.

Overall a very nice set of three interesting German Hand Launched Cartridges, well marked and ready to display!