Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce Imperial Russian WWI RG-12 Rdultovsky “Lantern” hand grenade, dated 1915 and retaining its original metal grenade head with Russian factory and production markings. Developed for the Imperial Russian Army, the RG-12 was an early purpose-built defensive fragmentation grenade distinguished by its unusual lantern-shaped metal body and wooden handle. Original examples of Imperial Russian First World War ordnance are particularly difficult to obtain, and the RG-12 is among the more elusive patterns. This example retains its original marked metal head, although the wooden shaft, upper retaining pin, and metal clip are modern reproductions. A rubber band is also wrapped around the upper portion, as shown. Despite these replacement components, the surviving original grenade head provides an interesting example of early Russian grenade development during the First World War.

Unloaded or dummy grenades, artillery shell casings, and similar devices, which are cut or drilled in an BATF-approved manner so that they cannot be used as ammunition components for destructive devices, are not considered NFA weapons. This example is in total compliance and is NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.

This example retains markings stamped on one side of the head:

CC 3 BB
II-23
F-4237
1915

The side with the clip has a Russian arsenal name stamped at the top, which is now a bit faded. It reads:

ФАБРИКА
Д-АЛЕКСЪЕВСКОЙ Г. ЗИМИНА № 2
САМАРА

Factory
D. Alekseev and G. Zimin Factory No. 2
Samara

The metal clip on the top of the grenade is a recent reproduction added to make the grenade look complete, same with the wooden shaft which is reproduction. The corner reinforcements on the body has edge nicking as shown, with moderate oxidation spotting across.

The 1915-dated RG-12 Rdultovsky “Lantern” grenade head is a noteworthy survivor from the early development of Imperial Russian hand grenades. Its unusual angular construction, surviving Cyrillic factory inscription identifying a manufacturer in Samara, and additional production stamps distinguish it from more commonly encountered First World War grenade patterns. Although the wooden handle, upper retaining pin, and metal clip are modern replacements, the original marked metal head remains the historically significant component. As an inert example of an uncommon Russian WWI grenade design, it is particularly relevant to collections focused on Imperial Russian military equipment, early fragmentation grenades, and the development of infantry ordnance during the First World War.

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. Every display machine gun and machine gun parts set and gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).