Original German WWI Model 1917 Inert Egg Hand Fragmentation Grenade – Eierhandgranate Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Eierhandgranate (“egg hand grenade”) is the name given to a model of a hand thrown fragmentation grenade manufactured in Germany, also known as Mod. 1917.  A similar grenade called the Model 39 grenade was later introduced by Germany and used in World War II.

This is a nice inert example of the second type, with the raised central band, and it is in very nice condition, with lots of the original paint present. The fuze on this example unfortunately broke off just above the body, and cannot be removed. The bottom of the grenade body is marked R H.

A perfect chance to complete your WWI ordnance collection with a hard to find Imperial German grenade!

Germany entered World War I with this single grenade design: a heavy 750-gram (26 oz) ball-shaped fragmentation grenade for use only by pioneers in attacking fortifications. It was too heavy for regular use on the battlefield by untrained troops and not suitable for mass production. This left Germany without a standard-issue grenade and improvised designs similar to those of the British were used until a proper grenade could be supplied.

This was accomplished with the design of the Stielhandgranate (“Stalk Hand Grenade), under the name M1915 (Model 1915). This design was refined several times, however there were still some situations where the somewhat cumbersome design was found to be lacking.

This led to the development of the Model 17 Eierhandgranate (“egg grenade”), a small defensive and offensive hand grenade. It was small, and the average soldier could throw it 40 meters or farther. It was more portable than the heavier Kugelhandgranate and less awkward to handle than the stick grenade. The body of the grenade was initially smooth and thus difficult to hold so the design was modified with the addition of a raised band to provide better grip.