Description
German WWII Hafthohlladung 3 kg (Haft-Hl. 3) Magnetic Anti-Tank Mine
Item Overview
The Hafthohlladung 3 kg, officially abbreviated Haft-Hl. 3, was a German hand-placed magnetic hollow charge used for close-range attacks against armored vehicles during World War II. Its German name translates as “adhesive hollow charge.” It was placed directly against steel armor rather than thrown, buried, or fired from a launcher.
Identification and Features
The Haft-Hl. 3 pattern is identified by its conical pressed-metal body, long upper neck, open supporting frame, and three horseshoe-shaped magnetic feet. Period U.S. intelligence described the standard exterior finish as field gray.
- Official designation: Hafthohlladung 3 kg
- Official abbreviation: Haft-Hl. 3
- Country of origin: Germany
- Period: World War II
- Weapon type: Hand-placed magnetic hollow charge
- Body pattern: Conical pressed-metal charge container with upper neck
- Attachment system: Three horseshoe-shaped permanent magnets
- Documented ignition system: Friction-delay igniter fitted through the upper neck
- Documented finish: Field gray
Function
The three magnets held the charge against a tank’s steel armor and kept the conical body at a fixed distance from the target surface. After placing the mine, the operator activated its delay igniter and moved away. The hollow-charge effect concentrated the explosive force against a small area of armor, allowing a portable weapon to damage armor that was difficult to defeat with ordinary hand grenades.
Documented End-Item Application
The Hafthohlladung was used directly against enemy tanks and other steel-armored vehicles. It was a complete close-combat weapon and did not require a rifle, launcher, gun, or separate parent weapon. Period German training photographs show the mine being pressed against a tank’s hull or turret so all three magnets contacted the armor.
Product History
Allied wartime intelligence reported that the Hafthohlladung was first used on the Eastern Front during 1942. The German Army issued Merkblatt 44/7 for the use and operation of the Haft-Hl. 3 and later illustrated the mine in the November 1943 close-combat recognition booklet Merkblatt 68/16. U.S. War Department reports from April and October 1943 described its construction, field-gray paint, magnetic attachment, and documented delay-igniter types.
Parent Equipment History
The Hafthohlladung had no launcher or larger parent weapon. It was carried by an individual soldier and placed directly on the target. Period German reference material showed the weapon with a Schutzring that covered the magnetic feet during handling, a Sprengkapsel Nr. 8 detonator, and a 7.5-second Brennzünder delay igniter. These are documented parts of the wartime system and are not being stated as included with this listing.
German Infantry Anti-Tank Weapon Background
As tank armor became heavier, German infantry needed portable weapons with greater anti-armor effect. The Hafthohlladung used shaped-charge technology but required the soldier to reach the vehicle itself. Later weapons such as the Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck allowed attacks from a greater distance and became more important during the final years of the war.
History of Use
German tank-hunting and close-combat units used the Hafthohlladung from concealed positions, trenches, or other cover near the path of an enemy tank. Placing it exposed the operator to the tank, its supporting infantry, and nearby weapons. A January 1945 photograph documents German close-combat training with a Hafthohlladung and a Panther tank. Another official photograph shows a captured example held by a British Royal Engineer during Operation Epsom in Normandy on June 25, 1944.
Condition
All ordnance is inert. This example retains field-gray exterior paint that appears to be original or period-applied. Field gray matches the finish recorded for this weapon in an April 1943 U.S. War Department intelligence report.
Ideal For
This Hafthohlladung is suited to collections and displays focused on German infantry weapons, anti-tank technology, shaped-charge development, and World War II armored warfare.
- World War II German ordnance collections
- Infantry anti-tank weapon displays
- Shaped-charge development exhibits
- Tank warfare collections
- Museum and educational displays
Approx length 8", Approx width 8", Approx height 12", Approx weight 5.6lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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