Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Italian Bomba a Mano Mod. 35 hand grenade manufactured by Società Romana Costruzioni Meccaniche and dated 1990. It retains much of its original red paint, internal components, spoon, safety chain, and original rubber pull tab. As a late production example, it represents the continued development and remarkably long service life of a grenade design first used extensively during WWII.

This grenade has been completely deactivated and is totally inert in accordance with BATF guidelines. It contains no explosive material and cannot function as originally designed. Not Available for Export.

The Bomba a Mano Mod. 35 designation was applied to a series of Italian high explosive hand grenades introduced during the 1930s and used by the Italian Army during WWII. Three principal variations were developed under the same Mod. 35 designation, including examples manufactured by Breda, OTO, and Società Romana Costruzioni Meccaniche. These were offensive grenades constructed from relatively thin sheet metal, primarily aluminum, and fitted with impact fuzes designed to function regardless of how the grenade struck the ground.

The grenades were painted a vivid red and gained a notorious reputation when encountered in an unexploded condition. British troops reportedly nicknamed them “Red Devils” during the 1941 to 1942 North African desert campaigns. The SRCM pattern was the most advanced of the three principal designs and remained in Italian service for decades after WWII with relatively few major changes.

This example remains in good overall condition, with substantial original red paint still present. It also exhibits heavy paint loss, oxidation, surface wear, and denting from age and handling. The original spoon, rubber pull tab, and small safety chain are present, although the mechanism is not entirely inserted or assembled correctly. Despite these condition issues, it retains the distinctive appearance of the Italian Mod. 35 and displays very well.

The bottom section can be unscrewed with some force, allowing the deactivated internal structure to be viewed and inspected. Nearly all of the various internal components appear to remain present, with the explosive material removed. Stylistically, the internal safety mechanism distinguishes the SRCM manufactured grenade from the Breda and OTO versions.

The metal is stamped:

SETA-2-269
1990

The SETA marking is associated with Società Romana Costruzioni Meccaniche and is commonly found on components of these grenades. With its late 1990 date, surviving original paint, pull tab, spoon, safety chain, and extensive internal components, this is an unusual example illustrating the extraordinary longevity of one of Italy’s most recognizable military grenade designs.

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).