{"product_id":"original-rare-french-wwi-wwii-viven-bessiere-vb-rifle-fragmentation-grenade-inert-6","title":"Original Rare French WWI \u0026 WWII Viven-Bessière “VB” Rifle Fragmentation Grenade - Inert","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a very nice original French\u003cstrong\u003e Viven-Bessière “VB” Rifle Fragmentation Grenade\u003c\/strong\u003e, an innovative infantry weapon introduced in 1916 and employed by the French Army during both World Wars. Named after its inventors, the VB grenade was one of the most successful rifle grenade designs of the First World War, utilizing an unusual central passage that permitted the use of standard rifle ammunition rather than special blank cartridges. This example remains in \u003cstrong\u003every good overall condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, retaining its original fuze and detonator assembly, explosive filling plug, and removable lower screw cap. The only missing component is the small brass percussion lever that originally extended over the central bullet passage. The grenade is marked GLC on the side, identifying a manufacturer's marking, and measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e3 ⅜ inches tall with a base diameter of just under 2 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e. Original examples of this early French rifle grenade pattern are increasingly difficult to encounter, particularly with the principal fuze components still present. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnloaded 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppearing in 1916, the VB grenade was the most famous and best French rifle grenade developed. It was even copied by the Germans during WWI due to its usefulness. Unlike most rifle grenade systems, it did not have any long rod attached, and actually used the regular ammunition for propulsion. Not needing to reload the rifle used with different ammunition was a literal game changer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is in very good condition, and still has the detonator\/fuze and explosives filling plug. Only the brass lever over the central hole that triggers the fuze is missing. The side is marked with\u003cstrong\u003e GLC\u003c\/strong\u003e, the maker mark. It measures 3 ⅜” tall with a just under 2” base diameter. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade of a pig iron cylinder with inner fragmentation grooves, the grenade has a central hollow tube the same inner diameter of the Lebel rifle bullet. Next to this on one side is another hollow tube, which contains the detonator, topped by a brass cap with a small lateral percussion lever over the detonator tube. The bottom of the detonator is covered by another screw cap. On the other side is the screw plug for the explosive filling hole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VB grenade was shot using a grenade-sleeve fixed on the Lebel rifle, using a traditional ammunition rather than a blank cartridge, thus avoiding frequent accidents caused by ammo confusion in the fight stress. When shot, the bullet went through the central tube, hit the small lever placed on the external part of the detonator, igniting the starter that communicated the fire to the wick then the detonator. The ejection gasses, accumulating in the sleeve when the bullet was still inside the central tube, propelled the body of the grenade up to 180 m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small brass cap with a central hole for the bullet was sometimes used to cover the external mechanisms and prevent accidental percussion during transportation. This grenade was so efficient that it changed the tactics of the French infantry. Each company had 16 VB men, giving a powerful and very maneuverable firepower for both attack and defense. It was still in use in the French Army in 1940.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eViven-Bessière\u003c\/strong\u003e rifle grenade represents an important development in French infantry weapons during the First World War, particularly the transition from cumbersome rod-type grenades to more practical cup-launched systems. Its distinctive cast iron construction, central bullet passage, and specialized percussion fuze allowed the French Army to employ standard rifle ammunition while providing infantrymen with additional explosive firepower. This example is especially noteworthy for its surviving \u003cstrong\u003eGLC\u003c\/strong\u003e marking, original fuze and detonator assembly, filling plug, and removable lower screw cap. Although the brass percussion lever is missing, the grenade retains the principal construction features that distinguish the VB pattern. Its continued use through WWII further illustrates the effectiveness and longevity of the design, making this an interesting example of French military ordnance from both World Wars.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46368347127877,"sku":"ONSV26WOX058","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/5D29C361-F000-4061-B35D-40C50C4A7663.jpg?v=1794426328","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-rare-french-wwi-wwii-viven-bessiere-vb-rifle-fragmentation-grenade-inert-6","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}