Developed from the heavier Brandt Model 1927 mortar, the Model 1937 was France's chief light mortar going into World War II. Intended as a more accurate and potent replacement for rifle grenades, the 37 was reasonably compact and light and saw use with both the Nazis and Vichy forces after the invasion of France. The 1937 remained in service after the Liberation, seeing action in the First Indochina War. The baseplate is stamped and welded steel construction, with a set of ground spikes and a swiveling ball socket permitting traverse and elevation adjustment. Fitted at the base of the main body is a slot for a bubble level (not included) and a spring-loaded manual trigger, followed by the range-setting mechanism, a screw-adjusted collar which covers a set of vent holes in the breech to control chamber pressure. A series of notches catch a wire run between the legs to set the angle of elevation, and a folding post and notch sight assembly. The marking "L. Gr. Mle 37" is present on the right side of the tube along with the serial number. A traverse adjustment screw is installed on the folding bipod.