Original WWII German model Hand Stick Grenade INERT, 1943

This is a rare, Bulgarian, original WWII hand grenade that is not active/inert. The grenade is permanently altered to prevent ready modification for use as a grenade.

The grenade is a German model produced in military factory in Bulgarian town of Kazanluk. The make of Bulgarian grenades begins in 1930s, as the earliest photo we have come across showing such grenades, is dated to 1933 (the photo of the border guard you can see on our listing). The grenade here is the rarest of the ones we have found so far because the war years date stamp is still visible : "9. 943" - Sept.1943.

This grenade is often referred to as "the stick grenade" or "the potato masher". It consists of 3 parts. Obviously, the grenade used to be activated by unscrewing the bottom cap. On the wooden stick can be noticed letterings and numbers: There is visible the "5 1/2 C" lettering, which indicates the number of seconds for blowing the grenade up. The grenade is 28 cm/11 inches long.
It is in very good condition, and makes a great find for every military collector!

Some additional information about the German prototype of the grenade we are offering: Arguably the most recognized German infantry weapon of the 20th Century. The German stick grenade design began in 1915, improving on the Pétards Raquettes concept which was a rudimentary early war improvised stick grenade. The basic design consisted of a heavy sheet metal can screwed to a wood handle. About 10 different variations were developed during WWI. After the war the design was slightly modified, utilizing a smaller head and the belt clip was removed, since it was just as easy to tuck the handle under a belt or pack webbing. The classic WWII "Potato Masher" was born.