I've just obtained a Panzerschreck 54 with a manufacturers code eue or euo or eup? Anybody know if Otto Reichel (eue), Oskar R Mehlhorn (euo), Knaebel & Co (eup) made panzerschrecks?
Regards
Bigsie
Regards
Bigsie
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Bigsie.Originally posted by Bigsieuk View Post
Read my reply in your last post concerning this and the manufacturers of Panzerschrecks please.
~ Captainhoot
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Panzerschreck
Thanks for the info. I can make out the "e" and "u" but not the last letter. You wouldn't happen to know the differences in a 43 and a 54 apart from the weight. Did the 43 not have a front support and the 54 did?
Regards and thanks again,
BigsieComment
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Bigsie.
I can only make out two letters of the three-letter code on my weapon. Not to worry. I can only make out a 'eu'. Maybe there was only two letters in the code to begin with (???)
You are correct, the early version, RPzB 43 had not front support, the Schutzbugel or 'saftey clamp'. This was a U shaped welded support on the front of the weapon designed to help keep the muzzle end out of the snow, and sand/dirt, which could have disastrous results. They also added the shield, and a adjustable sight elevation, all of which changed it's weight from 9.4-10,7 kilos. This final version was the RPzb 54.
Interestingly enough, beside the RPzB Gr 4322, there was a RUb Gr 4320, which was only an active rocket motor round(without explosive charge on front), and REx Gr 4329 dummy round.
There were ohter changes to the weapon, in terms of the length, and the firing box on the rear.
If yours has no front support, (and there is no evidence it has ever been removed), then it is an early version.
If it has a 'eu' for the manufacturer code, it is almost certainly made by Enzinger-Union-Werke.
Hope that helps.
Post some pictures. We'd all like to see !!!
~ CaptainhootComment
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Panzerschreck
Many thanks for the response. Attached is the photo showing that it does have a front support and must be a 54.
Will upload some photos from the Leeds Proof house to for info tmmrw too.
Regards
BigsieComment
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Bigsie.
Yep, that's a RPzB 54 alright.
Looks like the front sight housing is completely absent, strap maybe absent, and rear sighting aperture is missing. Nice camo. Paint nearly intact, as most are not, or either repaint by Finnish Army. Mine is missing rear and front sighting apertures. Strap is intact.
These are real gems to own, as they were one of the icons of German WWII warfare. Enjoy it.
Interestingly, mine has that same "up-side down 1 " in between the serial number 545, between first 5 and 4.
Not sure what that represents. Anybody have any ideas ???
Kool !!!
~ Captainhoot
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Panzerschreck
Thanks for the help. Yes the front sight is missing as is the sling, I'll continue looking for both. I've a shield coming to complete it on Tuesday.
I may have seen similar marks on K98's?
Here's a photo of my best find last year.
Regards
BigsieComment
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Bigsie.
Very nice and rare find !!
The original slings on the RPzB 54 was the web type sling, with the "lux' metal fasteners on both ends, with a buckle for adjusting. The 'lux' fasteners were pressed on during production, and not easy to remove.
It is good you have a shield coming as well.
Rounds are scarce to find, you really have to beat the busches to find them. There is a manual for this as well. Good luck with searches...but then again, that is part of the fun !!! May take years, though. Be patient.
~ Captainhoot
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a few more photos would be nice , for a rarely seen item.
jeffComment
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