Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice Imperial German First World War Model 1917 Eierhandgranate, literally “egg hand grenade,” retaining the early smooth-body configuration and an original-style M1915 traction/friction igniter assembly.

This example represents that earlier smooth-bodied pattern, preceding the later neuer Art or “new type” version with the distinctive raised segmented band around its center. The grenade body is of heavy cast iron construction and retains a substantial amount of its dark black painted finish. The surface displays typical casting irregularities, all of which are entirely appropriate for an original battlefield-era piece more than a century old. The overall egg-shaped profile remains excellent and immediately recognizable.

Of particular interest is the accompanying M1915-pattern traction/friction igniter, a type also used with other German grenade designs of the period. Contemporary surviving examples of the Eierhandgranate are documented with several different igniter arrangements, including the M1915 friction type. The igniter on this example can be removed from the grenade body exposing the threaded fuze opening. The threads remain quite well preserved considering the age of the piece. The igniter itself shows considerable oxidation and is incomplete, with the original pull wire or lanyard no longer present and the lower tubular portion showing deterioration associated with its deactivation.

The Eierhandgranate was developed as a compact alternative to Germany's much heavier spherical Kugelhandgranate and the comparatively cumbersome stick grenades. Its small size allowed several to be carried at once, while its relatively low weight permitted considerably greater throwing distances. The later Model 1917 neuer Art incorporated a raised segmented band around the middle, primarily improving grip under muddy trench conditions.

This inert ordnance item has been fully deactivated in accordance with ATF guidelines. It cannot be converted into a functional explosive device and is strictly restricted from international export.

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).