Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely rare excellent example of a practice training M1924, M24, or Stielhandgranate 24 ("stalk hand grenade") German Stick Grenade, often called a "potato masher". They are officially termed Übungshandgranate, which literally means Exercise Hand Grenade. This is Not Available for Export.

The warhead still unscrews, as does the bottom cap, but the original pull string and porcelain bead are gone. The head has been repainted green at one point, and the original markings can be seen on the head and shaft of the grenade.

The side of the head bears manufacturer code brb 43, indicated 1943 manufacture by Richard Rinker GmbH, Menden, Kreis Iserlohn. Richard Rinker GmbH was founded in 1910, and was situated in Menden in Iserlohn. It specialized in the production of castings, especially of building hardware made of brass. In the mid-1930s the production was switched to light metals. They were still in production in 1991, manufacturing heaters under the name BAUFA-Werke Richard Rinker GMBH. The fine wood shaft bears clear crisp markings 43brb for the same maker, as well as the code Ub, most likely for Übungshandgranate, which literally means "Exercise Hand Grenade". 

Training grenades are nearly impossible to find as by early 1943 production of practice grenades had stopped, making this one of the final examples manufactured!

In WW2 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 WW2 ordnance collection. Comes ready for further research and display!