This low profile gun was one of the most recognizable and widely used WWII German leichtes infanteriegeschutz or light infantry gun. Design work began in 1927, and manufacturing was by Rheinmetal from 1932 to 1945. This 7.5 cm (75 mm) gun was designed to be broken down for transport by airborne or mountain units, saw extensive use during the Second World War on all fronts, and provided good support to infantry units. The mountain variant was designed to break down into six to ten packs. Total weight was nearly 900 pounds. Some 12,000 units were delivered by the time the war ended. This example is marked "cku 1942.” It is built similar to the U.S. Pack Howitzer, but only much smaller and compact. A crew of five operated the gun, which consisted of a 3 foot long barrel in 75 mm and a gun mount featuring an angled ballistic shield and spoked wheels. The airborne variant had smaller wheels and lacked a shield. A good crew could fire 15 to 20 rounds per minute. The maximum firing range was nearly 4,000 yards. The gun was moved by a vehicle or by its crew for short distances depending on the terrain. Consignor research is included.