{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-inert-early-pattern-mk-ii-pineapple-fragmentation-grenade-inert","title":"Original U.S. WWII Inert Early-Pattern Mk II “Pineapple” Fragmentation Grenade - Inert","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice U.S. early-pattern Mk II fragmentation hand grenade, commonly known to collectors as the “Pineapple” grenade. This example has been rendered completely inert for collector display and retains its cast-iron body, fuze assembly, safety lever, safety pin, and pull ring. Especially desirable is the early-style grenade body, which retains the characteristic slotted filling plug in the base and is marked with a cast \u003cstrong\u003eG\u003c\/strong\u003e on the side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk II was developed from the earlier and ultimately unsuccessful Mk I grenade of the First World War and was formally standardized in 1920. It went on to become the best-known American fragmentation hand grenade of the Second World War. The deeply grooved cast-iron body was intended to assist in producing effective fragments when the grenade functioned, while the same pattern also provided a secure gripping surface and gave rise to the familiar “pineapple” nickname. Contemporary U.S. Ordnance literature describes the Mk II body as cast iron with deep horizontal and vertical serrations for this purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular body is an earlier production pattern, readily distinguished from many later WWII examples by the more pronounced shoulder at the base of the tapered neck and, most importantly, the separate slotted filling plug at the bottom. Early Mk II bodies were loaded through this opening before the plug was installed. Later production increasingly incorporated bodies that could be filled through the fuze opening and therefore did not require the separate bottom filling hole. Surviving early bodies remained in the U.S. inventory and could continue in service or be reworked during the WWII period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body is marked on one of the raised segments with a \u003cb\u003eG\u003c\/b\u003e. This marking might be attributed to the \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eGrabler Manufacturing Company of Cleveland, Ohio\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. The grenade retains a correct long safety lever with its original-pattern pull ring and safety pin. The fuze assembly can be unscrewed, showing the threaded neck of the grenade and the deactivated fuze train.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is quite good, the cast fragmentation pattern remains strong and well defined, including the distinctive squared shoulder and tapered upper section. Most of the original exterior finish has worn away, leaving a dark aged surface with oxidation, and wear throughout. The bottom filler plug remains firmly in place and shows oxidation around its perimeter, while its broad screwdriver slot is still clearly visible. The fuze assembly likewise shows an even patina and surface oxidation, but the lever, pin, and pull ring are all present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45675021205573,"sku":"ONJR25SEM75","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/52FB3266-7FB6-4EC1-8A49-E8DC6739651E.jpg?v=1788376676","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-inert-early-pattern-mk-ii-pineapple-fragmentation-grenade-inert","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}