Original German WWII M24 Stick Grenade – Dated 1940 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely rare M1924, M24, or “Stielhandgranate 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. It still retains its original paint, and the original markings can be seen on the head and shaft of the grenade.

The warhead bears a manufacturer stamping on the top of the head that reads ЯR 90 1940. This code corresponds to Peter Schlesinger, Metallwarenfabrik, Offenbach a.M. The company was founded by Peter Schlesinger (1859-1934) in 1885, and made accessories and spare parts for the bicycle and automotive industry. Their bicycle lights were sold under the brand “Radsonne” (bicycle sun). During WW2 they manufactured cleaning kits for small arms (Reinigungsgerät 34), Smoke handgrenades (Nebelhandgranaten), Stielhandgranate 24 and Stielhandgranate 43

The front of the head clear white stenciled writing that reads Vor Gebrauch Sprengkapsel einsetzen (Before use insert detonator). It is also ink stamped 1940. The head has rust but bears all original paint with traces of classic red German wartime primer paint showing through underneath.

The wood shaft of the grenade is marked 1942 with maker code. The shaft has spots of cosmetic imperfections but these are only surface imperfections, the strength and integrity of the wood handle is excellent. The lower screw cap has seen much wear from age. The shaft is correctly hollow to allow the internal components and included in an original porcelain donut bead and pull string.

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.