Launcher, Grenade, M8, KNAPP MONARCH, USM1 Carbine
Rare genuine WWII US M8 Grenade Launcher, intended for being used with the USM1/M1A1 Carbine,
Manufactured by Knapp Monarch.
Excellent overall condition.
At the squad level for the US Army, the primary means of anti vehicle defense was the rifle grenade. Grenade launchers were allocated at minimum one per squad, with two per squad in specific TO&Es. The M1 launcher on the M1903 Springfield rifle was the primary rifle grenade launching platform until the launchers for the Garand and Carbine could be developed and satisfactorily tested. In the spring of 1943, the M7 grenade launcher for the M1 Garand and M8 grenade launcher for the M1 carbine were standardized and production started.
The M8 grenade launcher for the M1 carbine is not well recognized or understood by collectors. Common myths amongst them are that the M8 was only used in the PTO -- a closer look at available pictures shows that it saw extensive use in Europe, too.
TO&E:
In the Infantry Regiment, as of the 1944 Tables of Organization and Equipment, there was one grenade launcher allocated for every six men (554 launchers for 3360 ORs and officers). Of those 554 total launchers in the regiment, 97 were M8 grenade launchers for the M1 carbine, with largest allocation to the heavy weapons companies and the cannon company.
