Original Item: Only One Available. This is a U.S. M21 practice hand grenade of the type used during the Korean War and into the early Cold War period. The M21 was developed as a training counterpart to the Mk 2 fragmentation grenade, intended to replicate its size, weight, and handling so that soldiers could rehearse arming and throwing procedures under realistic conditions without employing live fragmentation ordnance.

The body is the standard cast-iron “pineapple” pattern associated with the Mk 2 family, finished in the blue paint used to distinguish practice ordnance. The casting retains good definition in the segmented exterior, reflecting the postwar M21 production style. Much of the original finish remains, though it shows expected wear from handling and age, including areas of paint loss and light surface oxidation, particularly on raised surfaces and around openings.

It is fitted with an M205-series practice fuze assembly, complete with safety lever, pin, and pull ring. The safety lever retains its characteristic blue paint with a red-painted tip, a standard visual identifier for U.S. practice grenade fuzes of this period. A notable structural feature is the open base of the body. The M21 was designed as a reusable training device. In service, a small black powder charge was inserted through the base opening and secured with a removable stopper. When deployed in training, the fuze initiated the charge, producing a report and smoke effect while leaving the cast-iron body intact for recovery and reuse.

On this example, the base stopper is no longer present, leaving the interior of the hollow body visible. The edge of the opening shows light wear and oxidation consistent with age and handling. The absence of the stopper is common among surviving examples, as these components were routinely removed and replaced during repeated training cycles.

The M21 is directly derived from the Mk 2 fragmentation grenade, one of the most widely recognized U.S. infantry weapons of the Second World War. The Mk 2 remained in service into the Korean War, and the M21 was introduced to provide a reusable training analogue that preserved the essential handling characteristics of the live grenade while eliminating the need to expend operational ordnance during instruction.

Height: 4 ½”
Width: 4 ¼”

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).