October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
The French model 37 grenade launcher derives its design from 1924 after the French realized how useful “portable pocket artillery” could be after World War I. However, there was very little sense of urgency after the “War to End All Wars” was over to spend money. It was when Germany rearmed in the 1930’s that the French perceived they would greatly need arms and the design was approved, and it went into production. It is a very portable and easily deployed mortar which is trigger fired. The range was adjusted by both changing the angle of fire and changing the volume of the combustion chamber below the top loaded grenade using an hand adjustable collar with range graduations. Together with a simple leveling bubble and guide wire to control the angle relative to the ground and adjustable front sight a soldier could aim pretty effectively with a little practice. Manufacturer's markings "JB" at bottom of tube with model and serial number at right side. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is very good original black enamel finish covering about 80% of this piece, otherwise exposing a grey patina. Leveling bubble glass broken and receptacle vacant. Mechanics are functional yet stiff, with windage stuck in place. Smooth bore is also fine. A World War II era mortar which carried on to see service through to the Vietnam era. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE. JWK 2019-10-63
FFL Status
Destructive Device