Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a WWII German M1924, M24, or "Stielhandgranate (stalk hand grenade) 24" 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, though the detonator is not included, its housing coupling is still in place. It still retains its original paint, and the original markings can be seen on the head of the grenade. Like all deactivated ordnance, this grenade is Not Available for Export.

The warhead is in very nice condition and easily unscrews from the shaft. It still has some of the most of the original green paint, and the shaft of the grenade is maker-marked with dbk 43. This is the letter code for maker Metallwarenfabrik Hermann Nier, located in Beierfeld bei Schwarzenberg, Erzgebirge. The 43 indicates manufacture in 1943. The top of the head of the grenade is stamped wc 1944. The WC maker code stands for Hasag, Hugo Schneider AG, Metalwarenfabrik Leipzig, Werk Meuselwitz, Thuringia.

The lower screw cap is complete and unscrews. The shaft is correctly hollow to allow the internal components and porcelain "donut" bead with pull string. The donut bead is present but the pull string is absent.

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.