An original German WWI Granatenwerfer 16 mortar, professionally sectioned as an instructional cutaway. Constructed with a cast-iron body showing external fragmentation squares, tubular riveted tail with four stabilising fins, and an exposed brass ignition cartridge at the core. The cutaway reveals the inner explosive cavity, painted in red to highlight the section, and demonstrates the propulsion principle of the spigot mortar system. The central brass ignition/propelling cartridge visible in the tail is headstamped “P 69 15 VIII” — Spandau Arsenal, August 1915, entirely consistent with wartime practice, as earlier-dated cases were repurposed for blank propellant loads.
Dimensions: 27.5 cm tall, approx. 11 cm fin-to-fin.
Historical Note:
The Granatenwerfer 16 was a spigot mortar introduced by the German Army in 1916, designed by Viktor von Karbon as a response to trench warfare’s demand for compact, portable indirect-fire weapons. Fired from a simple baseplate and spigot arrangement, the weapon launched finned bombs such as this example by means of a propellant cartridge seated in the hollow tail tube.
Effective at 50–300 metres, the Granatenwerfer 16 provided a versatile means of bombarding enemy trenches and wire entanglements. The distinctive finned projectiles could be fitted with high-explosive or smoke charges. Instructional cutaway examples such as this were produced in limited numbers for training purposes, enabling recruits to understand fuze, cavity, and propulsion arrangements. The weapon remained in use until the end of the war and influenced later spigot mortar developments, including the British WWII PIAT.
*Condition*
A very well-preserved instructional cutaway bomb. Retains full profile with cast fragmentation body and riveted fin assembly intact. The section exposes the inner cavity, highlighted in red, with original brass cartridge visible and legible headstamp. Light wear to paint and fin edges consistent with handling and display. No explosive content – inert and safe. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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