This is scarce example of a pre-WWII French grenade launcher (mortar) as developed by Edgar Brandt circa 1937. It was designated the Model 1937 and was France's primary light mortar system from 1937-1940, until after the invasion of France by Germany. After the fall of French several thousands were captured and reused by the German as the Granatwerfer 203(f). It was also issued to the Vichy French forces and used by them until the end of WWII. It was a very light weight design that could be easily carried in the field and it fired an approximate 1 lb shell with a effective range of 70 meters and a maximum range of 460 meters. The front right side of the mortar tube is stamped "L. Gr. Mle 37/No 15362". It was fitted with a standard stamped steel base plate with a set of folding bipod legs, that had a small, traverse adjustment wheel on the side. To aim the mortar it was fitted with a set of rudimentary iron sights on the outside of tube, combined with a the use of a small steel wire attached to both bipod legs. This wire was set into a series of notches on the outside of the tube to raise or lower the tube. The range for the shell was set via a large circular ring mounted on the outside of the mortar tube which was marked "80-460" meters. It used a spring loaded firing trigger mounted on the stem of the mortar tube, end cap that was also fitted with a small dovetail on the lower, left side. This dovetail was intended of using a small true mortar sight, (not included).

Fine with 75% plus of the original black painted exterior finish overall showing light wear and flaking of the painted finish overall mixed with some brown rusted patina areas. The markings are clear and sharp and it appears to be complete and intact. A very scarce and seldom seen pre-WWII French Model 37 mortar. NOTE: This Destructive Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.