Item:
ONSV2807

Original German WWII Wurfkörper 361 Flare Signal Pistol Grenade - dated 1941

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of an extremely Wurfkörper 361 Grenade, designed to be launched from German flare pistols. This excellent example, acquired from the family of a WWII veteran, has been demilitarized according to specifications by the BATF. The bottom cap and head still unscrew to show the internal structure. It still retains its original paint and the original markings can be seen on both the head and shaft of the grenade.

On this example, the shaft is made of bakelite, and is marked edq 1b 41, followed by a Waffenamt inspection mark. This indicates 1941 manufacture by Deutsche Waffen- & Munitionsfabriken AG, Werk Lübeck-Schlutup, Wesloerstrasse, an ammunition factory run by the legendary DWM. The bottom of the grenade head is marked 373-A / -008, the lot number for the grenade.

This really is a great example of this very rare Grenade, with lots of markings and original paint. Definitely a great addition to any WWII Ordnance collection.

The Wurfkörper 361 (projectile 361) was a grenade that was developed by Germany and used by the Wehrmacht during World War II. The Wurfkörper 361 was designed to be fired from the Leuchtpistole 34, Leuchtpistole 42, or Sturmpistole, giving German troops a small and lightweight grenade launcher for engaging targets from close range, which could not be engaged satisfactorily by infantry weapons or artillery without endangering friendly troops.

The Wurfkörper 361 grenade was formed by screwing a bakelite or wooden stem into an Eierhandgranate 39 which allowed it to be fired from a Leuchtpistole. Inside the base of the stem, there was a flash cap inside an alloy flash tube which connected to a time fuze in the base of the grenade. The Leuchtpistole was a break action gun and a brass or aluminum shell casing containing propellant was pushed into the breech of the gun. Then the safety pin at the base of the stem was removed arming the grenade and the stem was inserted into the muzzle of the gun until it slipped inside the shell casing. The gun would then be closed and the hammer cocked for firing. When the gun fired the stem and grenade were forced from the barrel and the striker in the base of the stem ignited a flash cap and a jet of flame traveled up the flash tube and ignited the time fuze. Once the time fuze expired the grenade detonated.

The Wurfkörper 361 was considered more effective than the Wurfgranate Patrone 326 due to its larger explosive charge but each grenade had its own mission. The Wurfgranate Patrone 326 was used for low angle direct fire where range and accuracy were needed while the Wurfkörper 361 was used for high angle indirect fire where its shrapnel would be useful. The Wurfkörper 361 was not recommended for use at less than 46 m (50 yd) due to the risk from shrapnel and its maximum range was limited to around 78 m (85 yd) at 45° because the grenade had a 4.5 second time fuze.

  • This product is not available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Cash For Collectibles