Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original German WWI Model 1917 Eierhandgranate, or “egg hand grenade,” in the later n/A (neu Art) configuration distinguished by the raised central band around the body. This compact grenade was developed as a more portable alternative to the larger Kugelhandgranate and the long-handled Stielhandgranate, giving German troops a small hand grenade that was easier to carry and throw in confined trench conditions. 

Not Available For Export

This is a very nice totally inert BATF compliant example of the second type "new model" (n/A or neu Art), with the raised central band, and it is in very nice condition, with lots of the original paint present. The original and scarce large-style fuze still unscrews from the body correctly, and is stamped G.J.B. / 5. Sek. This is one of the most difficult fuze variations to find. The bottom of the grenade has another marking, S.B.F. / 9. This is an incredibly scarce model to find in this condition. The fuze also retains the entire detonator tube, very rare!

Germany entered WWI with limited supplies of practical hand grenades suitable for widespread infantry use. Early grenade types included the heavy Kugelhandgranate, while improvised designs were also employed until more standardized weapons became available. The introduction of the Stielhandgranate provided an effective general-purpose grenade, but its long handle could be cumbersome in certain situations, particularly where compact equipment was desirable. 

The Model 1917 Eierhandgranate addressed this need with a much smaller cast-metal body that could be carried in greater numbers and thrown more easily. Earlier examples had relatively smooth bodies, while the later n/A pattern incorporated a raised central band to improve handling and provide additional surface disruption upon detonation. The design proved sufficiently practical that Germany later adopted a related egg-shaped grenade pattern during WWII.

The combination of its later n/A body, substantial surviving original paint, scarce G.J.B. / 5. Sek large-pattern fuze, complete detonator tube, and additional S.B.F. / 9 body marking makes this an especially strong example of the German Model 1917 Eierhandgranate. These surviving construction details provide useful evidence of wartime manufacture and fuze variation while illustrating the evolution of German infantry grenades during the First World War.

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).