Original German Pre-WWII M24 Stick Grenade dated 1936 – Marked ЯR217 by Richard Rinker Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely rare Pre-WWII 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, and has been filled with spray foam. It still retains its original paint, and the original markings can be seen on the head and shaft of the grenade.

The warhead is stamped with manufacturer marking ЯR217 / 1936, as well as a Waffen Amt eagle with code WaA 331. The side of the head still has the original stenciled instructions: VOR GEBRAUCH SPRENGKAPSEL EINSETZEN, which translates to “before use, insert detonator”.

 The wood shaft of the grenade is marked ЯR217 – 36 along with more Waffen Amt Eagles, and code WaA 331. The end cap still unscrews, and still has the spring, which helps the cap come off. The detonator string and weight are not included.

The double R marking with one reversed is the logo of Richard Rinker G.m.b.H. in Menden/Iserlohn, the sole manufacturer allowed by the Treaty of Versailles to make grenades after WW1. They had many subcontractors, and 217 may indicate which factory produced this particular grenade.

Overall, this is a fantastic chance to have an original Pre-War manufactured M24 stick grenade, in great condition.

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.