Introduced in 1941, the Raketenpanzerbuchse (Rocket Armor Rifle, RPzB) series of weapons was developed by taking the American M1 "Bazooka" launcher, from examples captured on the African and Eastern Fronts, and enlarging the tube to handle an 88mm HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) rocket, giving Nazi infantry enough firepower to deal with just about any armor the Allies could roll out. The 54 and 54/1 variants introduced the distinctive steel blast shield, which removed the need for the operator to wear a protective gas mask. This particular example is finished in a drab green, with the underside stenciled "SA" in the pattern of Finland's martial inspection mark, suggesting this piece was among the hardware supplied by Germany to the Finns to press on the Continuation War against the Soviets. Overall length is 160cm (63"), with wood and steel grip sections, 15 1/2" tall and 12 1/2" wide blast shield marked "12" with a 3" square glass viewport (onboard spare lens included), piezoelectric ignition system, and wire guide around the breech. NOTE: This weapon is defined by the National Firearms Act as a Destructive Device. This is a fully transferable NFA Class III Firearm currently on a Form 4. You are required to check your state and/or local laws as to whether or not you may own this. This weapon can be transferred to a Class III dealer at no charge. Buyer pays all other transfer fees and stamps.

Very good, with most of the field applied green paint finish, showing mild flaking and wear, with a brown patina on the exposed steel. The mounted glass in the blast shield is hazy and chipped, with the spare in good condition. Not mechanically tested.