Model 1916 Grenade Launcher (Granatenwerfer 16)

The Model 1916 grenade launcher (Granatenwerfer) is a spigot type weapon made from cast steel. The spigot contains a firing pin which is cocked by a lever on the side of the weapon with the propellant charge in the base of the projectile. A lanyard and handle are used to fire the weapon at a safe distance. The Granatenwerfer was designed such that the round slides over a mandrel, rather than having a heavy barrel to contain it. When the lanyard is pulled the firing pin is released, protrudes from the end of the mandrel and strikes the primer of a propellant cartridge housed inside the Granatenwerfer round. The expanding gas from the propellant accelerates the round until it is clear of the top of the mandrel. An elevation range scale is on the left side of the launcher. The grenade launcher is painted matt grey. No markings, other than on the elevation scale, are discernable.
This example retains its rope lanyard, most of which is wound around a bobbin (see RELAWM10972.002).

Model 1916 grenade launcher (Granatenwerfer) issued to German light mortar units during the First World War. This grenade launcher was captured during the Somme offensive by the 13th Battalion at Morcourt on 8 August 1918.

• Firing lanyard for Model 1916 Grenade Launcher (Granatenwerfer 16)