Original Item: Only One Available. Totally inert and demilitarized according to BATF guidelines with hollow body and inert fuse. This grenade cannot be converted to an explosive device and is not available for export.

One of the hardest WWI U.S. Grenades to find is an original WWI Mark I Grenade, the forerunner to the Mark II “Cutback” Grenades, and the well-known MKII Grenades as used during WWII. The MKI we are offering is one of the very few we've ever had! Even though it has a WWII style fuse, it is in very good condition. It has the correct cylindrical section at the bottom with a slotted bottom plug.

The Mark 1 grenade (sometimes spelled Mk I) is a fragmentation hand grenade used by American forces during World War I. According to its designers, it was to be the "simplest", yet most "fool-proof", grenade ever made. However, some major problems appeared when the grenade was used in the field, and it was retired from service before the war ended.

The MK 1 is a time-fused fragmentation grenade and has 32 serrations on it. To start the fuse, the user has to pull the safety pin, then push off the cap on top of the grenade. Right before throwing, the user has to move the switch on the lever away from the grenade in order to start the fuse.

When American forces entered World War I, they lacked a fragmentation grenade of their own. American forces often received either the Mills bomb or the French F1 grenade. When it came time to make a grenade, American designers looked to the F1 grenade for inspiration. In 1917, the Mk 1 grenade was created.

However, it became apparent that the Mk 1 grenade was quite difficult to use in the field. The grenades were often not ignited properly before being thrown, and enemies would return the grenade, this time properly lit. The MK 1 was immediately recalled and production stopped.

Due to such a limited production time, and their status as a recalled item (of which many were subsequently destroyed), these are incredibly hard to find grenades today. Perfect for a WWI or grenade collection!