Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting pair of original U.S. practice anti-tank rifle grenades, consisting of what appears to be an early WWII M11 Practice Rifle Grenade together with a later M11A3 Practice Rifle Grenade dating from the immediate postwar period. Both belong to the family of rifle grenades used for training American soldiers in the handling and firing of anti-tank rifle grenades, and examples of this type could be used with the M7 grenade launcher fitted to the M1 Garand rifle.

The shorter example is the earlier M11 Practice Rifle Grenade, developed as the training counterpart to the M9 anti-tank rifle grenade. It has the characteristic early construction with a substantial metal head and sheet-metal stabilizer and tail assembly. The M11 allowed soldiers to practice rifle-grenade marksmanship without using an explosive service grenade and represents the early development of the American anti-tank rifle-grenade system during WWII.

The second and noticeably longer grenade is the later M11A3 Practice Anti-Tank Rifle Grenade, the practice counterpart to the improved M9A1 anti-tank grenade. The M11A3 was specifically designed for repeated training use. Components particularly susceptible to damage, including the ogive and fin assembly, were made replaceable so that the grenade could be recovered, repaired, and returned to service after firing. The rounded removable ogive and longer stabilizer assembly make it readily distinguishable from the earlier M11.

The M11A3 retains a considerable amount of its original black practice finish as well as portions of the original white arsenal stencil. Although some of the lettering has been lost through use and age, the surviving markings appear to read in part:

GRENADE, A.T., PRACTICE
LOT E-5 2-48

The final portion is consistent with a February 1948 production date, placing this example squarely in the early post-WWII period. Some additional nomenclature is present but is too worn in the available photographs to transcribe with certainty.

Both grenades show the type of wear expected from reusable training equipment. The early M11 retains portions of its original dark finish with substantial scuffing, oxidation, and areas of exposed metal. Its dented stabilizer and fin assembly likewise show considerable handling and training wear. The later grenade retains more of its black finish and, particularly importantly, a useful amount of its white identification stencil. The ogive, body, stabilizer tube, and fin assembly all show finish loss and rubbing from use, with additional scattered oxidation and age-related wear. A small hole is also present in the body/fuze area of the later example.

Together, these two grenades make an especially useful display because they show the development of the U.S. practice anti-tank rifle grenade from the early M11 configuration to the more serviceable and reusable M11A3 pattern.

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).