An exceptionally rare First World War signal round for the 76mm Minenwerfer. The 76mm was the lightest of Germany’s 3 types of Minenwerfers (mortars) used in WW1. In addition to high-explosive and gas rounds it also fired this almost unique type of message round. In emergencies when all other lines of communication had been severed urgent messages would be loaded into the hollow body of these rounds and then fired back towards their own lines. Since the “Minnies”, (as the Tommies called them), had a range of 1,300 metres they could always reach their rear-echelon areas. The rounds had the propellant in the bottom of the shell, the jet being vented through the holes visible on the base. This example is in A1 condition, with no pitting or rust. It still splits in two to allow access to the message compartment and is very heavily constructed of steel to protect the message within. Minenwerfer rounds are rare, and the message shells even rarer. In terms of condition it is on a par with the only other example we have seen in the Imperial War Museum. Very rare and in excellent condition, this is a fascinating piece of WW1 technological innovation.