Inert German 12 cm Wurfgranate 42 mortar round

For sale is an authentic piece of World War II history: an inert 12 cm Wurfgranate 42 (Wgr. 42) mortar round, designed for the German 12 cm Granatwerfer 42 (GrW 42) heavy mortar. This impressive artifact hails from the later stages of the war, when the Wehrmacht sought to bolster its infantry firepower with heavier support weapons. The 12 cm GrW 42 was a direct copy of the Soviet 120 mm PM-38 mortar, which the Germans captured in large quantities on the Eastern Front and later reverse-engineered due to its superior range and impact compared to their own 8 cm mortars.

This particular 12 cm Wurfgranate 42 is a high-explosive (HE) fragmentation round, originally designed to deliver devastating anti-personnel effects. It features a streamlined cylindrical body with a rounded nose, a screw-threaded fuse hole (fuse removed for safety), and a finned tail unit with stabilizing fins for accurate flight. The tail unit also includes small holes for attaching additional propellant charges to extend its range. When live, this round would have weighed approximately 15.8 kg (35 lbs) and contained 2.78 kg of TNT, capable of reaching a maximum range of 6,050 meters (6,615 yards) when fired from the GrW 42.

Condition: This mortar round is completely inert and safe for display, having been professionally deactivated in accordance with all legal requirements. It retains much of its original form but shows signs of age and use, with a weathered red paint finish (likely applied post-war to indicate its inert status) and areas of corrosion and paint chipping. The black and white splotches are a mix of natural patina and possible remnants of original markings, adding to its authentic battlefield character. The fins and body are intact, making this a striking display piece for any collection.

Dimensions:
- Caliber: 120 mm (12 cm)
- Length: Approximately 67 cm (26.4 inches)
- Diameter: 120 mm (4.7 inches)

Historical Significance: The 12 cm Granatwerfer 42 entered service in 1942 and was used extensively by German infantry regiments on all fronts. Its design was a testament to the Wehrmacht’s adaptability, as they not only utilized captured Soviet mortars but also produced their own improved versions. This mortar round would have been a critical asset in delivering heavy firepower against enemy positions, with a maximum rate of fire of 8-10 rounds per minute. Over 8,000 GrW 42 mortars were produced, making this round a tangible link to the intense combat of WWII.

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