Original German WWII M24 Stick Grenade Dated 1938 with Original Pull Cord Bead 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 bears a manufacturer stamping on the top of the head, which is partically concealed bu surface rust bubbling, that reads 1938. The front of the head has traces of white stenciled writing that reads Vor Gebrauch Sprengkapsel einsetzen (Before use insert detonator). The head has rust but bears all original paint with traces of classic red German wartime primer paint showing through underneath. The head screws 80% of the way onto the shaft and is totally secure but does not screw all the way down due to corrosion inside the head screw threads.

The wood shaft of the grenade is marked ?bk 1941. The shaft is offered in very good condition and while it is 100% genuine WW2 manufacture it may not be the original shaft as issued with the head due to differences in the condition of the paint. The lower screw cap functions perfectly and still contains the spring loaded mechanism inside the cap itself. The shaft is correctly hollow to allow for internal components which have been removed. Also included is the original porcelain pull cord bead with newly replaced cord.

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.