This is an exceptionally scarce example of a WWII Gr. B.39 granatbuchse Model 39 anti-tank rifle. The original design of this rifle was the German Pzb-39 single shot anti-tank rifle that fired a high velocity 13 mm rifle cartridge. Due to rapid advancement of armor plated vehicles in the late 1930s, the German ordnance had to convert all the original Pzb-39 rifles into more deadly anti-tank weapon. To accomplish this, they shortened the barrel to 24 inches and attached a 5 inch long, 30 mm rifled barrel, that was designed to fire the No. 61 and 41 anti-tank rifle grenades as well as the 30 mm anti-personnel grenade. The No. 61 and 41 anti-tank grenades were extremely effective, early shaped round that could penetrate approximately 61 and 41 mm respectively of frontal armour. The standard Sherman tank during this time had approximately 64-70 mm of frontal armour with 38-46mm of side armour making these rifles a very effective weapon. This rifle is fitted with an original side mounted anti-tank grenade launcher sight calibrated from 50-150 meters. This sight was calibrated to those grenades and allowed the shooter to just track the tank in the sight and fire at the appropriate range. This specific rifle was manufactured by the Steyr factory and bears the wartime markings of: "bnz/1941". Originally this rifle fired a super-high velocity 7.92/8mm armor piercing round known as the Patrone 318 cartridge for use in anti-tank warfare. This cartridge used large over sized case (approximately 22 mm base) that was necked down to use the standard 7.92/8mm bullet. This rifle used that same round with a "wooden" bullet to propel the grenades. Very few of these rifles exist today in any condition as they were nearly all destroyed after the war. It fires in a single shot design that has a falling breechblock mechanism. It is activated by simply pushing forward on the lower portion of the pistol grip, which lowers the breechblock and trigger group so that a cartridge can be inserted into the chamber. Then simply pulling back on the pistol grip raises the breech and locks it into the receiver so it's ready to fire. It has a folding metal buttstock and barrel mounted bipod. The top of the receiver has a small steel plate riveted over the original markings (done when converted) that is marked "Gr. B 39/5792", along with several Waffenamt proofmarks. The barrel is marked "dfb/40/R759" and with several Waffenamt proofs. The rare grenade launcher sights are correctly numbered (5792) and proofed to the rifle. The top edge of the breechblock has been electro-penciled with serial number "3143", but it is a WWII item that may have been changed in the field. As, noted it has its original folding bipod and barrel mounted carrying handle. This scarce rifle is complete with the original grenade launcher sights.

Very fine as Arsenal refurbished/assembled (breechblock, see above) with 85% plus of the wartime blue finish overall with only edge and high spot wear. It has all original WWII parts and components and is a very scarce example of a Gr. B.39. anti-tank grenade launching rifle.