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. It still retains its original paint, and the original markings can be seen on the head of the grenade. The top is stamped 42 dbk, indicating manufacture by Richard Ringer GmbH, Neubrandenburg in Mecklenburg in 1942. The firm manufactured grenades, fuzes, primers, and other ammunition components. The warhead is also marked in paint on the side, indicating the type it was, though it is illegible.
The shaft of the grenade is marked 1943, with a maker code that is partially obscured. Warheads and handles were made by different companies, so having mismatching dates is very common.
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, making this an excellent opportunity to acquire one to complete a WW2 ordnance collection.