Fall 2023 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2023
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
ORIGINAL GERMAN RAKETEN 8.8CM PANZERSCHRECK DEWAT CURIO
03-1630
Cal. 88mm
S# 1114
Manufactured in 1945. Designed by Hugo Schneider AG (HASAG) & put into production in late 1943. For a short period it was referred to as the RakentenPanzerBüsche 43, shortened to “RPzB 43” before receiving the new official designation of RPzB 54. It was nicknamed the PanzerSchreck (translated simply to “Tank Fear”), on November 29,1943, officially adopted by Der Führer. The two terms RaketenPanzerBüchse & PanzerSchreck seem to have been used interchangeably from that point forward. Based on present features, it appears that this example is the RaketenPanzerBüchse 54 late version, registered w/ earlier nomenclature Rakenten PanzerBusche 43. It has the upgraded tail section, to make loading easier, and the blast shield that became part of the system w/ late version offerings. The German PanzerSchreck was initially Inspired by a captured American bazooka. It is shoulder fired & launched a fin stabilized rocket with a shaped charge warhead. One major design difference between them was that the Panzerschreck was designed to utilize a mechanical firing system rather than an electric firing mechanism like the bazooka. This helped avoid malfunctions inherent in electrical systems which necessitated batteries. Each round, as loaded had an igniter that was inserted into the connector junction at the rear of the launcher. Upon firing, it would ignite the rocket motor, which would reach its full velocity of 100 meters per second within approximately 3 meters distance. Upon impact, the fuse would ignite the shaped charge warhead. This Panzerschreck 54 was designed as a lightweight infantry anti-tank weapon. Blast shield still present w/ intact sight glass & 2 original spare sight glass panels in the correct compartment. Front & rear sights present. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Blast shield, in terrific condition. Fully functional lock band, clear glass & 2 spare glass panels in storage compartment. Photocopies of 3 different German WWII era manuals.
STATUS: CURIO CLASS III
