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German, WW2, Desk Model of Kriegsmarine G-7A (T1) Torpedo, Titled Kiel, Commemorates the Torpedo Crisis (Torpedokrise) 1939-1942

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SKU: RQMDOOXECE_8857178036 Category: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Description

*German, WW2, Desk Model of Kriegsmarine G-7A (T1) Torpedo, Titled Kiel, Commemorates the Torpedo Crisis (Torpedokrise) 1939-1942*

Approximate measurements of model:
Base: 27cm x 7.8cm x 2cm
Torpedo: 23.5cm x 2cm x 2cm
Total height: 5.5cm

This is a unique WWII desk model of the G7a torpedo, labeled “Kiel,” which we believe to be an original German-made piece from WW2.  Kiel was a crucial and bustling naval port, home to two U-boat pens, Killian and Konrad. The shipbuilding giant Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft, were located in Kiel and built 131 U-boats during WWII. One of the G7 torpedo factories, Deutsch Werke, was also based there and the G7a torpedo was tested and modified at the Torpedo Versuchsanstalt (TVA) naval base in Kiel. It seems likely that this model was made by or for someone working at one of these companies or stationed at the U-boat pens. It serves as a compelling memorial to the “Torpedo Crisis” (Torpedokrise) of 1939-1942, which may have played a role in later Allied successes. The desk model is a detailed, plated white metal representation of a WWII G7A German torpedo, mounted on a heavy marble base with a plaque marked “KIEL,” featuring spinning blades.

Background:
The G7a (TI) was the standard torpedo of the Kriegsmarine, introduced in 1934 and used throughout World War II. It featured a steam-powered “wet heater” engine, using decaline fuel, with a range of 7,500 meters (24,600 ft) at 40 knots (74 km/h or 46 mph). Nicknamed “ato” (“atem-torpedo” or air-torpedo) by German crews due to its steam propulsion, it was the primary torpedo for surface vessels and U-boats at night, used alongside electric torpedoes.

The G7a suffered from technical issues, contributing to the “Torpedo Crisis” (Torpedokrise) of 1939-1942, during which many torpedoes failed, severely impacting the German U-boat fleet. Admiral Dönitz famously stated, “never before in military history has a force been sent into battle with such a useless weapon.” Testing and modifications at the Torpedo Versuchsanstalt (TVA) in Kiel, a key naval base, sought to address issues with the G7a’s propulsion, depth-keeping, and detonation systems. These efforts continued until mid-1942, by which time Allied anti-submarine tactics had improved significantly.

Of the roughly 70,000 torpedoes produced during the war, about 10,000 were used in combat: 7,000 G7e, 2,300 G7a, and 640 acoustic homing torpedoes. Production occurred in five factories, including Deutsch Werke in Kiel, where testing of the G7a’s systems was vital in refining its performance.

The Kriegsmarine’s designation “G7a (TI)” indicates a 53 cm (21 in) diameter (“G”), approximately 7 m length (“7”), air/steam propulsion (“a”), torpedo number (“T”), and version 1.

*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Small crack to small marble mount. Some rusting/tarnishing to the torpedo model which adds to its patina. The blades spin but are very stiff. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

RQMDOOXECE_8857178036

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