Original German WWII M24 Stick Grenade – Marked ftd 43 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, as does the bottom cap, which reveals the original pull string and weight. It still retains its original paint on the warhead, and the original markings can be seen on the head and shaft of the grenade.

The top of the warhead and the handle bear manufacturer code ftd 43, well as a white Waffen Amt eagle with code. This code corresponds to Peter Schlesinger, Metallwarenfabrik, Offenbach a.M., a contractor for Richard Rinker, the designer of the Stick Grenade. Warhead is empty and demilitarized, it screws off easily from shaft.

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.