United States. An II M7 Grenade Launcher for M1 Garand Rifle, by Fay & Scott with M15 Grenade Launcher Sight and Carrying Case, c. 1942

A United States Government Issue M7 grenade launcher for an M1 rifle, constructed of a magnetic metal. The flat part of the launcher would be fitted underneath the tip of the barrel into the bayonet stud of an M1 Garand rifle. The horizontal cylindrical piece would be inserted into the gas cylinder. The long multi-ridged part would align with the barrel of the rifle. The reverse of the flat part is marked “FAY & SCOTT M7 GRENADE LAUNCHER FOR M1 RIFLE” and hand marked on the side in white with “REMI 1987.5.4”. Measuring 225 mm (l) and is in very fine condition.

A United States Government Issue M15 Grenade Launcher Sight. Constructed of magnetic metal, with a level at the top left and a centred mounting plate. Marked on the bottom “SIGHT, GRENADE LAUNCHER M15 EDA-8”, and hand marked in white on the top with “REMI 1987.18.5A”. Measuring 130 mm (l) and in very fine condition.

A rectangular shaped carrying case for the M15 Grenade Launcher Sight. Constructed of an olive canvas with two non-magnetic metal snaps, the inside of the flap is stamped in black ink and reads “CASE, CARRYING 7160198 BEARSE MFG CO. 1944”, measuring 185 mm (w) x 75 mm (h), very fine. Footnote: these grenade launchers were developed mid-World War II for the average infantryman. This increased the usage of weapons an infantryman could engage with. The rifle used a blank cartridge to fire the grenade, which was held in a designated launcher. The M15 sight came as an accessory to the grenade launcher and was mounted on the left-hand side of the stock accompanied by a template to allow it to be properly positioned on the stock.

Provenance Footnote: Deaccessioned from the Museum Collection of the Royal Canadian Military Institute.