Original German WWII 1940-dated M24 Stick Grenade by Richard Rinker with Pull Cord 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 is in very nice condition and easily unscrews from the shaft, revealing an inert fuse underneath. It still has most of the original green paint, and has traces of the original maker markings stamped into the metal, however they are illegible. The front of the head clear white stenciled writing that reads Vor Gebrauch Sprengkapsel einsetzen (Before use insert detonator).

The wood shaft of the grenade is marked ЯR 564 1940 which corresponds to the manufacturer Richard Rinker G.m.b.H. in Menden/Iserlohn, the original designer of the M24 grenade. This company had many factories and subcontractors, which is what the number 564 corresponds to. The wood shaft handle is excellent, with the wood in great shape and a nice lovely worn color, and just some denting from the carry case it was in.

The lower screw cap is complete and unscrews with ease, though it is definitely worn from age and use. The shaft is correctly hollow to allow the internal components and porcelain “donut” bead with pull string, which are present on this example, something that we do not see very often at all.

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.