Op GRANBY / Gulf War 1991 ‘Bring Back’ - Chinese Type 69-1 / RPG-7 Pattern Rocket Launcher None Rocket Launcher

Op GRANBY / Gulf War 1991 ‘Bring Back’ - Chinese Type 69-1 / RPG-7 Pattern Rocket Launcher, Factory 197 - Serial No. 1410332

Description

A Chinese-manufactured Type 69-1 rocket-propelled grenade launcher, identified by its 69-1-40 marking and produced by Factory 197, People's Republic of China. The weapon is serial numbered 1410332 and bears the Factory 197 circular manufacturer's marking together with additional production and inspection markings including △ 5, and ○ 197.

The launcher carries British Army EOD-related markings, including 7/8/91, FFE, 221, and ATO, consistent with British military examination and explosive-clearance processing associated with Op GRANBY (Gulf War). The 7891 marking is interpreted as 7 August 1991. The A0205A marking denotes to the 221 Sqn unique identification unit (UIN). The weapon was subsequently retained within a British military armoury collection. An armoury ledger printout is included with the provenance documentation and records the weapon by its serial number 1410332.

The provenance file includes copies of the British Army ownership transfer documentation, including a formal letter transferring ownership from the British Army to the subsequent private collection, together with a MOD Form 7677 issue & receipt document recording the transfer to a serving officer. In 2015, the launcher was deactivated by C&G Firearms Ltd and examined by the London Proof House, receiving deactivation certificate DA 54681.

Following subsequent changes to deactivation requirements, the launcher underwent further examination in July 2026 and was issued 2026 certificate no. 1118.

The available provenance attributes the launcher to Chinese Type 69-family production, with assumed Iraqi service prior to its British EOD processing during the period of Op GRANBY in 1991 Gulf War. The specific Iraqi-service history remains an historical attribution requiring independent documentary confirmation.

Provenance documentation includes:

• Copy of British Army letter confirming transfer of ownership to the private collection.

• Copy of MOD 7677 Issue and Receipt Voucher document recording transfer to a serving officer.

• Copy of British military armoury ledger printout recording serial number 1410332.

• Copy of 2015 deactivation certificate DA 54681.

• Original 2026 certificate no. 1118.

Provenance: Iraqi service (assumed) → British military EOD processing, Op Granby / Gulf War 1991 → British military collection → private ownership, 2015 → continuously retained in the same private collection.