Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of an Imperial German WWI Karabingranate (Carbine Grenade) M1917, which are extremely hard to find. This is one of the first examples that we have had, and this one is in great non-ground dug condition. Like all deactivated ordnance, this grenade is Not Available for Export.

The grenade still has the top nut and washer, but cannot be disassembled to inspect the interior due to the oxidation. The top nut no longer comes off. The side channel for the detonation fuse can easily be seen. This example was repainted black.

Still in good condition and fully INERT, this rare German WW1 Rifle Grenade is ready to display!

History of the German WW1 Karabingranate M1917

The appearance of the remarkable French Viven-Bessière rifle grenade on the battlefields in 1916 revolutionized the rifle grenade trench warfare. There was no need to change from the standard ammunition, and the grenade was easily transportable in large quantities. Tactically, it was able to saturate a target with the use of several launchers, almost like a small scale artillery barrage. The design was quickly replicated in 1917 by the German army with the Rifle grenade M1917 ('Karabingranate 1917').

Based on the same general principles than the French VB, it was likewise cylindrical and internally pre-fragmentated. The grenade would be loaded into a sleeve fixed to the Mauser infantry rifle, and then propelled by a conventional ammunition combustion gasses. It would then explode after a fixed time, triggered by the passing of the bullet through the central tube.

While inspired by the French V-B, differences were found in its bigger size (6 cm diameter instead of 5 cm for the VB), and by the ignition system. The grenade is not triggered by the bullet hitting a small hammer like with the VB, but instead igniting a lateral fuze, communicating with the detonator via a channel. The maximum range could reach 180 m.

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).