Original Item. Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce original U.S. WWI Mk. I defensive fragmentation grenade retaining its original fuze assembly and operating lever, two components that are frequently missing from surviving examples. The segmented body retains a diamond enclosed maker’s mark, while the removable fuze allows the empty interior to be inspected.

This grenade is completely inert and has been deactivated in accordance with current ATF guidelines. It contains no explosive material, cannot function as originally designed, and cannot be converted into an explosive device. Like all deactivated ordnance, it is not available for export.

These are incredibly scarce to find in their original configuration, as the majority of them had their bodies reused during the interwar period and WWII. This example retains its original fuse which is fully intact, and the original lever which is almost always missing. The fuze still unscrews for inspection of the interior, though the leather washer is now gone. The body is maker-marked with a C in a diamond over an I. The grenade is in good shape overall without any serious damage, though there is some material loss to the screw on the bottom.

The MK 1 is a time-fused fragmentation grenade and has 32 serrations on it. To start the fuse, the user has to pull the safety pin, then push off the cap on top of the grenade. Right before throwing, the user has to move the switch on the lever away from the grenade in order to start the fuse.

To operate, the grenade was held in the right hand, the thumb crossing over the lever, the high ridge nested in the crevice of the thumb's first joint. The pin is removed and the top cap shaken off the grenade.

With an overhand throw, the lever was intended to be "automatically" twisted, by the thumb, as the grenade rolled off the palm of the hand. At about a 20° angle the lever frees the cocked striker which snaps like a mousetrap, initiating the primer and lighting the 5 second fuse.

The retained body, original fuze, scarce operating lever, complete segmented exterior, and diamond C / I marking preserve the principal features of the unsuccessful but historically important Mk. I design. Its short service life and the later reuse of many surviving bodies make an example in this configuration especially relevant to collections focused on American WWI ordnance, early U.S. fragmentation grenades, or the development of the later Mk. II.

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).