Imperial German Model 1917 Rifle Grenade Cup Launcher

Imperial German Model 1917 Rifle Grenade Cup Launcher

Inspired by the French VB grenade launcher, the German version is 11” in length, of tooled steel with knurled cup base, split barrel socket and knurled socket locking ring, finish shows moderate pitting and is thickly covered in the now infamous Belgian museum preservative, easily removed, maker marked “DWM” and a large letter “B” proof.  A very rare trench warfare and Mauser rifle accessory.  These are not commonly encountered.. enough so that I actually recognized this piece.  After checking the consignor's account with Advance Guard Militaria, it made sense - I sold him this artifact over 25 years ago!  It was from the collection of the War Museum in Dadizelle, Belgium that we liquidated back in 1999-2000.  

$500 - $700