Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good original inert example of the Soviet-designed RPG-43 anti-tank hand grenade, later issued for training use in Poland during the Cold War period. The designation is derived from Ruchnaya Protivotankovaya Granata obraztsa 1943 goda, meaning “hand-held anti-tank grenade, Model 1943.” This example is prominently stenciled SZKOLNY in several locations, the Polish word for “school” or training, clearly identifying its instructional role in Polish service.

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 totally inert. NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.

The RPG-43 a high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) hand grenade used by the Soviet Union during the Second World War and into the Cold War Period. It entered service in 1943, replacing the earlier models RPG-40 and RPG-41. The RPG-43 used a shaped charge HEAT warhead, whereas the RPG-40 used the simpler HE (high explosive) warhead. The RPG-43 had a penetration of around 75 mm of rolled homogeneous armor at a 90 degree angle. Later in the war, it was improved and became the RPG.

During the early days of Operation Barbarossa, the USSR's only infantry anti-armor weapons were anti-tank rifles, anti-tank guns, and anti-tank hand grenades. These were adequate against early German tanks such as the Panzer I and Panzer II but, as the war progressed, they were found to be nearly useless against the heavier Panthers and Tigers. The RPG-43 was developed as a result, and it was produced in large numbers until the end of the war. After the war it was passed on extensively to Soviet client states, and was used in the numerous Arab–Israeli conflicts. Despite being thoroughly outdated, it can still be encountered in many third world nations, mainly due to its reliability and low cost.

This example remains in very good overall condition and retains its original instructional label and pull ring. The repeated SZKOLNY markings provide particularly clear evidence of its Polish training use, while the overall configuration remains representative of the Soviet RPG-43 pattern. Examples of this type are known with Polish-language instructional labels and training markings from their postwar service.

The RPG-43 represents an important stage in the development of infantry anti-armor weapons during WWII and remained in use among Soviet-aligned and Warsaw Pact forces after the war. This Polish training example is especially interesting because it illustrates both the wartime Soviet design and its continued instructional use within a Cold War allied military, making it a strong study and display piece for collections focused on Soviet, Polish, or anti-tank 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).