Description
WWII German 10 cm Nebelwerfer 40 Smoke Mortar Ammunition Transport Container
Item Overview
This World War II German steel ammunition transport container belongs to the 10 cm Nebelwerfer 40 mortar system. Its surviving weapon markings and partial smoke-ammunition label give it a clear place in a collection of German mortar equipment and wartime field supplies.
Identification and Features
The ribbed body retains its hinged lid, folding carrying handle, closure latch, gasket, and portions of the paper ammunition label. Reddish-brown internal fittings appear to be packing supports. The surviving markings identify the intended weapon, ammunition type, and airtight closure design.
- “Nb.W.40” on the lid identifies the Nebelwerfer Model 40.
- “10 cm Nb.W.40” on the body identifies the mortar ammunition application.
- “Wgr 40 Nb.” on the partial label identifies Wurfgranate 40 Nebel, the Model 40 smoke projectile.
- “luftdicht” means airtight and describes the container’s intended seal.
Function
The container was designed to hold and protect one mortar round during storage and transport. Its steel shell guarded against handling damage, while the gasketed closure helped keep out dirt and moisture. The folding handle made the individual container easier to carry between storage areas, transport vehicles, and mortar positions.
Documented End-Item Application
The U.S. Army’s 1945 Handbook on German Military Forces, TM-E 30-451, lists the 10 cm Wgr. 40 Nb. smoke projectile as ammunition for the Nb.W.40. That entry matches the surviving paper label. The label supplies the specific smoke-round identification; the larger lid and body markings identify the weapon system.
Product History
Single-round containers formed part of the German wartime ammunition supply system. A 2019 archaeological study illustrates a 10 cm Nebelwerfer ammunition container bearing a 1942 production date, giving a dated comparison for this packaging type. Surviving containers preserve details of ammunition labeling and packing that are often missing from displays centered on the weapons themselves.
Parent-Equipment History
The Nebelwerfer 40 belonged to Germany’s 105 mm smoke-mortar family. The earlier Nebelwerfer 35 followed the familiar tube, bipod, and baseplate layout. The Model 40 used a much heavier wheeled carriage with recoil buffers and mechanical aiming controls. It had greater range than the earlier model and could be transported and fired from its carriage.
Weapon-System Background
Although designated “10 cm,” the Nebelwerfer 40 had an actual caliber of 105 mm. It was a single-barrel, smoothbore, breech-loading mortar. The weapon fired both smoke and high-explosive ammunition, giving its crews equipment for screening missions and explosive fire support. Its carriage-mounted design placed it among Germany’s heavy mortar systems.
History of Use
A January 1943 U.S. War Department Intelligence Bulletin listed the Model 40 among the weapons used by German smoke troops. These units supported ground forces with smoke screens that concealed movement and reduced enemy observation. Wartime reports describe smoke supporting advances across open ground, river crossings, and defensive movements. Containers of this type belonged to the supply equipment behind those mortar operations.
Condition
Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This container adds the ammunition-supply side of mortar service to a historical display. Its surviving markings also make it useful for studying German military packaging.
- WWII German militaria and ammunition-container collections.
- Nebelwerfer 40 and heavy mortar equipment displays.
- Museum exhibits about wartime logistics and smoke troops.
Approx length 18.5", Approx width 5.5", Approx height 5.5", Approx weight 3.8lbs.
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