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. It still retains its original paint, and the original markings can be seen on the head and shaft of the grenade. It also comes with a very rare steel Splitterring (Splinter Ring) Fragmentation sleeve, which is clipped around the warhead. This is one of the more simple versions, just being a sleeve of spring steel. These vastly increased the anti-personnel fragmentation ability of the grenade.

The warhead is in very nice condition and easily unscrews from the shaft. It still has some of the original green paint, and is maker marked on the top with bdp . 1942, for manufacture by Friedrich Maurer Söhne, Eisenwerk und Kesselschmiede (Ironworks and boilermakers) located in the Freimann area of München (Munich). There is some past pitting on parts of the warhead, but the paint is retained well. Most is covered by the fragmentation sleeve.

The wood shaft handle is very nice, with the wood in great shape, with no major denting or cracks, as shown. The lower spring loaded screw cap is complete and unscrews, though it is worn from age and use. The shaft is correctly hollow to allow the internal components and porcelain "donut" bead with pull string, which are unfortunately missing.

A very nice example, perfect for any collection!

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, especially with the original pull string and weight, making this an excellent opportunity to acquire one to complete a WWII ordnance collection.