Original Item. Only One Available. This is an interesting seven-piece grouping of WWI and WWII-era military relics, consisting of German hand grenade components, fragmentation sleeves, and two iron caltrops. The assortment includes pieces associated with several grenade patterns, all preserved in heavily corroded condition.

The group contains two shallow, dome-shaped steel shell sections believed to originate from German WWI Model 1915 Diskushandgranaten, commonly known as "Turtle" or "Discus" grenades. Both have the characteristic rounded profile with semicircular cutouts around the perimeter, originally intended to accommodate the grenade's internal ignition assembly. The relatively thin metal construction suggests components from the offensive variation of this unusual impact-operated grenade.

Also included are two cylindrical steel fragmentation sleeves, or Splitteringe, of the type used with German WWII Model 24 and Model 43 stick grenades (Stielhandgranaten). One retains a scored, grid-like exterior with a raised reinforcing band, while the other has a plain exterior with a longitudinal opening. These removable sleeves were fitted around grenade heads to increase fragmentation.

The third cylindrical component appears to be the head of a German WWI Übungs-Stielhandgranate, or practice stick grenade. It retains five circular openings in its upper surface, an additional opening in the side, and the characteristic long metal belt hook. The wooden handle and internal training components are absent.

Completing the group are two four-pointed iron caltrops, commonly known as "crow's feet" or Krähenfüße in German. These simple defensive obstacles were designed with four projecting spikes, ensuring that one point would face upward when placed on the ground. Their exact manufacture dates remain undetermined, although the design is associated with military use during WWI and earlier periods.

The grouping is in heavily corroded, relic condition, with extensive rust, deep surface pitting, and deterioration throughout. The two rounded grenade shells exhibit substantial oxidation, irregular edges, and localized perforation from metal loss. Both fragmentation sleeves show heavy corrosion, with the scored pattern remaining identifiable on one and a pronounced longitudinal opening on the other. The practice grenade head retains its perforated top and belt hook, although its surfaces are extensively pitted, with deterioration around the lower opening. Both caltrops retain their four-pointed forms, with pronounced corrosion affecting the surfaces and extremities. The metal is fragile in places, and careful handling is recommended.

Historical Context

The development of specialized hand grenades accelerated during the First World War as armies adapted to trench warfare. German infantry required compact explosive weapons capable of reaching opponents behind cover, within trenches, and inside fortified positions. By 1915, the German Army had adopted several grenade designs employing different methods of ignition and detonation.

Among the more unusual developments was the Diskushandgranate, introduced during the early years of the war. Its distinctive flattened, circular shape earned it the Allied nickname "Turtle" or "Oyster" grenade. The Model 1915 employed an impact-operated ignition system designed to detonate when the weapon struck a sufficiently firm surface.

Internally, the grenade incorporated an arrangement of six radial tubes surrounding a central percussion mechanism. Four of these contained movable percussion components, while the remaining tubes accommodated parts of the safety and detonator systems. Once armed, impact could cause the internal mechanism to initiate the explosive charge. The design was intended to eliminate the delay associated with conventional time-fuzed grenades, although its effectiveness depended heavily on the conditions of impact.

Two principal body constructions were produced. The offensive version employed relatively thin sheet-steel shells and relied primarily on the blast of its explosive charge. The defensive version incorporated heavier metal intended to produce fragments. The mechanism proved troublesome under certain battlefield conditions, especially when grenades landed in soft earth or mud, and the pattern eventually fell out of favor.

The German Stielhandgranate, or stick grenade, developed along a different path and became one of the most widely used German infantry weapons of both World Wars. Early versions appeared during WWI, with subsequent modifications improving the ignition mechanism and handling safety. The wooden handle provided additional leverage when throwing, while the cylindrical metal head contained the explosive filling. Many early examples also incorporated a metal hook for carrying the grenade on a soldier's belt.

Training was essential to the effective use of these weapons. German troops practiced handling and throwing grenades using specially manufactured Übungs-Stielhandgranaten. Certain practice models incorporated perforated metal heads and small training charges, allowing gases to escape through the openings while producing an audible report. These grenades helped soldiers become familiar with the weight, handling, and operation of the weapon before progressing to live grenade training.

Another form of defensive equipment represented in this grouping is the iron caltrop. Although its origins predate modern warfare by many centuries, the device remained useful wherever horses and wheeled vehicles needed to be impeded. During WWI, German forces employed iron caltrops as anti-cavalry obstacles, scattering them across approaches to defensive positions and other vulnerable areas.

The four-point arrangement allowed the device to rest on three spikes while leaving the fourth projecting upward. A horse stepping onto one of these points could suffer a serious hoof injury, potentially disrupting mounted movement. Caltrops could also present hazards to infantry and rubber-tired vehicles. Their uncomplicated construction made them practical obstacles that required little preparation or maintenance.

By WWII, the German Model 24 stick grenade had become a standard infantry weapon. Its sheet-metal head contained an explosive charge that produced a powerful local blast, but relatively limited fragmentation. German ordnance development addressed this characteristic through the introduction of removable metal fragmentation sleeves.

These sleeves were produced with both smooth and scored surfaces. The metal collar was split longitudinally so it could be fitted around the grenade head. Upon detonation, the additional metal broke apart and produced fragments, increasing the weapon's effect against exposed personnel.

The later Model 43 stick grenade retained the basic cylindrical explosive head while introducing a revised ignition system and solid wooden handle. Fragmentation sleeves remained compatible with this later pattern, extending the usefulness of the attachment through the final years of WWII.

The surviving components in this grouping represent several distinct aspects of German military equipment, including early impact-operated grenade development, infantry training, defensive obstacles, and the refinement of fragmentation weapons during WWII. Their extensively corroded condition preserves the appearance of long-exposed military relics, while the surviving construction details remain useful for historical study and display.

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).