Original Item. Only One Available. This is a fiercely sought-after Mk. II KJ Chemical grenade, produced by the United States for use during World War I. Orders for this grenade were placed in February of 1918, however there were issues with the grenade and pressure testing. Eventually these issues were worked out by the summer of 1918 and over 900,000 were made before the war ended, with nearly 250,000 sent overseas. This grenade was pressurized and filled with stannic chloride (KJ) which was one of the many types of gases used during the war. This gas, while not as deadly as others, produced a thick cloud that choked its victims, while also irritating the eyes. This grenade was designed to be used to clear dugouts and other areas from trenches once captured. Like all deactivated ordnance, this grenade is Not Available for Export.

The KJ gas type was filled with a pressurized stannic chloride filler at 50 p.s.i.. It was used to clear bunkers and make dugouts uninhabitable. Production difficulties lead to the redesigned non-pressurized Mk.V grenade using a solid CN filler. This was a combustible mix which burned and produced gas that vented out holes drilled around the top of the body (covered with tape). This concept continues to be used today.

This example is in great shape, and retains the majority of its original gray paint. There is a small slit on one side, which is how the grenade was made inert. It measures 5¼” long. The original and correct fuze assembly is intact, although it no longer fully screws into the grenade. The pull ring is also still intact. There is a penny in the grenade which was inserted into the slit, and we couldn’t get it out.

A fantastic example of what is now an almost-never seen grenade, the first we have offered. Comes ready for further research and display!