Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely rare M1924, M24,  or "Stielhandgranate (stalk hand grenade) 24" German Stick Grenade, often called a "potato masher". This example, acquired from the family of a WWII veteran, has been demilitarized according to specifications by the BATF. The warhead still unscrews. It still retains its original paint, and the original markings can be seen on the head and shaft of the grenade.

The warhead is in very nice condition and easily unscrews from the shaft. It still has some of the original green paint, and is marked on the top with date 1939, along with a visible white Waffenamt inspection marking. The maker marking is unfortunately not visible, due to bubbling in the paint. There is some past pitting on parts of the warhead, but it has been neutralized, and preserved as found.

The wood shaft of the grenade is marked ЯR 564 1940, which corresponds to the manufacturer Richard Rinker G.m.b.H. in Menden/Iserlohn, the original designer of the M24 grenade. This company had many factories and subcontractors, which is what the number 564 corresponds to. This also has the early war "Reverse R" marking, which was abandoned later.

The wood shaft handle is very nice, with the wood in good shape, though there is a sizable dent or chunk missing, as shown. The lower spring loaded screw cap is complete and unscrews, though it is definitely worn from age and use. The shaft is correctly hollow to allow the internal components and porcelain "donut" bead with pull string.

In WWII the stick of the German M24 (Model 24) grenade provided a lever, significantly improving the throwing distance. The Model 24 could be thrown approximately 30 to 40 yards, whereas the British Mills bomb could only be thrown about 15 yards. The design also minimized the risk of the grenade rolling downhill back towards the thrower when used in hilly terrain or in urban areas. These grenades were extremely useful for clearing out entrenched infantry positions.

As grenades were disposable, encountering them on the market is very rare, especially with the original pull string and weight, making this an excellent opportunity to acquire one to complete a WWII ordnance collection.