Description
Original German WWII 5cm Display Mortar – Leichter Granatwerfer 36
This Original German WWII 5cm display mortar is a wartime Leichter Granatwerfer 36 with clear markings, Waffenamt proofs, and strong mechanical presence. The piece is stamped 42 on major components, which makes it especially notable since production is generally cited as ending in 1941.
Original German WWII 5cm Display Mortar
This mortar presents with the compact and recognizable form of the 5 cm leGrW 36. It was developed by Rheinmetall-Borsig and entered service in 1936 as a light infantry mortar intended to engage targets beyond hand-grenade range. Although the type was light and portable, German service experience showed that it was too limited in range and shell effect for the role expected of it.
Construction / Configuration / Pattern
The mortar tube is marked FL5502 BCD 42 WA358. The code bcd identifies Gustloff-Werke, Werk Weimar, a wartime maker of weapons and ordnance components. The base plate is marked Bp 26177 baa 1942 WA510. As with many German crew-served weapons, different contractors produced different parts, so differing maker codes across the assembly are consistent with wartime production. The mortar also retains its cleaning rod. The cleaning-rod brush is missing, although the lid for the cleaning-rod container remains present. In addition, the traverse and elevation mechanism works properly, and both leveling knobs remain functional.
Historical Context / Pattern Development
The 5 cm leGrW 36 filled the gap between the hand grenade and the heavier infantry mortar. It gave small units a portable indirect-fire weapon with better reach than a thrown grenade. However, the design proved somewhat over-engineered, and its ammunition lacked the power needed for the intended role. The optical sight used on early examples was simplified out, and production is commonly described as ending in 1941. That makes the 1942-dated markings on this example an especially interesting detail within the production history of the pattern.
Condition
This mortar remains in great shape for a wartime service piece. The markings are clear, and Waffenamt proofs appear throughout. The traverse and elevation mechanism works smoothly, while both leveling knobs function as they should. The cleaning rod is present, which helps the set, though the cleaning-rod brush is missing. Overall, it presents as a strong and well-marked German WWII display mortar with honest service character.
Explore More at Old Steel
Follow us on Instagram:
Old Steel Guns on Instagram
