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, though the detonator is not included. It still retains its original paint, and the original markings can be seen on the top of the grenade.

The warhead is in very nice condition and easily unscrews from the shaft. It still has most of the original green paint, and the top of the grenade has some really great markings! There is a somewhat faint white Waffenamt WaA65 paint stamping, and a clear manufacturer mark stamped into the metal: 1940 / 336. This is one of the many maker markings used by Richard Rinker GmbH in Menden, Kreis Iserlohn, the original designer of the M24 grenade. There is also another paint stamping, a large K next to 11.Nov.1940, possibly the fill date of the warhead.

The wood shaft handle is very nice, with the wood in good shape, though there is discoloration and wear, as shown. There is a very faded aqj maker marking near the top fitting, for S. Elster of Vienna, a known maker of stick grenade handles during the war. The lower 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. This example is missing the string, but still has the original pull bead intact! We very rarely see these anymore!

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, making this an excellent opportunity to acquire one to complete a WWII ordnance collection.