This is a desirable representative example of a German 3.7 cm (37mm) Pak 36 anti-tank gun, one of approximately 20,000 manufactured between 1933-1943, with far less surviving today. These were officially in use with the German Army between 1936-1945, and some were also exported. The Pak 36 saw its first combat during the Spanish Civil War where it was used effectively against the light tanks of the time. Although it began to be replaced by the 5 cm (50mm) Pak 38 by mid-1941, the Pak 36 saw continued use throughout the war with Germany and its allies. "axw" maker code and serial number marking at the breech. Detachable replacement iron sight assembly from a Finnish M39 rifle (added later). Includes an inert Stielgranate 41 ("stick grenade") projectile that is meant for insertion from the muzzle end, introduced partway through the war to increase stopping power against rapidly advancing enemy tank armor, although with a shorter effective range of around 300 meters.