Original German WWII M24 Stick Grenade by Witwe Wilhelm von Hagen with Pull Bead – dated 1938 & 41 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely rare M1924, M24,  or “Stielhandgranate (stalk hand grenade) 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, though the detonator is not included. It still retains its original paint, and the original markings can be seen on the handle of the grenade.

The warhead is in very nice condition and easily unscrews from the shaft. It still has most of the original green paint, and the top of the grenade does have markings, but due to paint bubbling some are obscured. However the 1938 date is still clear.

The wood shaft handle is very nice, with the wood in good shape, though there is discoloration and wear, as shown. It is maker marked near the top with 41 evy, indicating manufacture by Witwe Wilhelm von Hagen, Iserlohn Westfalen, in 1941. This firm is a metalworking business who manufactured grenades and artillery shell fuses during the war.

The lower screw cap is complete and unscrews, though it is definitely worn from age and use. It still has the original “spring” inside, but the pressed paper plunger is more than half missing. The shaft is correctly hollow to allow the internal components and porcelain “donut” bead with pull string. This example is missing the string, but still has the original pull bead intact! We very rarely see these anymore!

In WWII 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 WWII ordnance collection.