German Explosives
Stielhandgranates 24 and 39
Model 24
Overall Length: 1 ft 2 inches
Diameter of body: 2 and 3/4 inches
Weight: 1/2 pound
Weight of Explosive Filler: 6 ounces
Explosive Filler: TNT
Model 39
Overall Length: 1 ft 4 inches
Diameter of body: 2 and 3/4 inches
Weight: 1 pound 6 ounces
Weight of Explosive Filler: 7 ounces
Explosive Radius: 16 yards
Color: Olive Drab
Description: These grenades are similar in all characteristics except size. These grenades consist of a thin iron or steel casing, or head, containing the explosive filler, which is screwed onto a hollow wooden handle, through the center of which runs a double length of cord. This cord is attached at one end to a lead ball which is part of the igniter, and at the other end to a porcelain ball. The cavity in which the porcelain ball rests is closed by a metal cap that screws on. Inside the cap is a spring-actuated metal disc that prevents movement of the porcelain ball.
These grenades use igniters B.Z. 24 consisting of a lead tube or sheath connected to a threaded brass fitting by a short steel tube. The steel tube is threaded on both ends and contains the power delay pellet. The lead tube contains the copper capsule which holds the friction composition. The friction wire is cast in the friction composition and contained in the capsule which is coiled at the bottom to provide resistance to pulling and joined to the "pull" loop at its opposite end. When the loop is pulled, it frees itself from the lead tube drawing the wire through the friction composition and the resulting flame ignites the delay pellet.
Operation: The metal cap is unscrewed from the handle and the porcelain ball is pulled. This will pull a wire through the delay pellet. The grenade is then thrown and after a 4- to 5-second delay the delay pellet will initiate the detonator.
Stielhandgranate 43
Overall Length: 1 ft 3 inches
Diameter of body: 2 and 3/4 inches
Weight: 1/2 pound
Weight of Explosive Filler: 6 ounces
Explosive Filler: TNT
Description: This grenade consists of a thin iron or steel casing, or head, containing the explosive filler. This is secured to the wooden stick handle by four deep stabs. The igniter screws into the top of this head and is of the standard pull friction type, had a blue head and a 4- to 5-second delay.
This grenade differs from the standard Model 24 stick grenade only in the position of the igniter and method of affixing the explosive head to the stick handle. Usually this type is found with a fragmentation sleeve.
Eierhandgranate 39
Overall Length: 3 inches
Maximum Diameter: 2 inches
Weight: 12 ounces
Color: Black body with blue igniter head
Description: This is a small thin-case offensive type grenade with a high proportion of a low-grade explosive. It is ignited by a friction type igniter and a 4- to 5-second delay pellet. This grenade uses the B.Z.E. friction-type igniter. The short body of this igniter is usually made of brass and contains a friction composition in which a friction wire is cast. The lower end of the friction wire is coiled to provide resistance which serves to ignite the friction composition when the wire is drawn through it. The upper end of the friction wire has a loop to which is fastened one end of a cord. The free end of the cord is attached to a disk which is within the head. The head screws on to the top of the body and a steel tube containing the delay pellet screws into the bottom of the body.
Operation: The igniter head is unscrewed and pulled, thus drawing the wire through the friction composition and igniting the delay pellet. The grenade is then thrown and after a delay of 4 to 5 seconds the delay pellet will initiate the detonator thus setting off the explosive filler.
Remarks: There has been found a practice hand grenade of this type containing a spotting charge with the B.Z.E. igniter. The German designation of this is the Eierhandgranate 39 (Ub). A modified egg grenade has also been found with a ring attachment on the base.
Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 10)
Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters
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