Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce original WWII Type 23 pull-type fragmentation grenade of Chinese manufacture, later adopted, captured, or otherwise used by Imperial Japanese forces. Wartime U.S. military publications identified this pattern as the Japanese Model 23 or Japanese pull-type grenade after examples were encountered in the Pacific. This heavily service-worn example retains its very difficult-to-find original screw-on fuze cover.

This grenade has been completely demilitarized and is represented as entirely inert, with no explosive filler, functioning detonator, live fuze composition, or other energetic material present. Unloaded or dummy grenades, artillery shell casings, and similar devices, which are cut or drilled in an BATF-approved manner so that they cannot be used as ammunition components for destructive devices, are not considered NFA weapons. This example is in total compliance and is NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.

The grenade has a cast-iron fragmentation body and originally contained a flaked TNT explosive charge. Its simple pull-type fuze used a friction igniter with an approximately five-second delay. The firing cord was protected beneath a grooved lead cover that screwed onto the top of the grenade and incorporated a thumb-operated locking catch.

To operate the original live grenade, the locking catch was depressed and the protective cover unscrewed, exposing the pull cord. Pulling the cord drew the friction igniter through an ignition composition, starting the delay fuze before detonation. The simple pull arrangement also made the grenade particularly suitable for use as a booby trap when connected to doors, equipment, or trip wires. U.S. wartime manuals specifically warned troops about this application.

The marking commonly interpreted as “Type 23” has caused considerable confusion among collectors because it does not conform neatly to the Japanese Imperial-year designation system normally encountered on Japanese weapons. Current specialist references generally identify the grenade as a Chinese design adopted around 1934 and subsequently used by Japanese forces from captured stocks or continued production in occupied territory.

The grenade’s relatively simple cast body and friction-igniter fuze could be manufactured in smaller facilities without the specialized machinery required for more sophisticated striker-fired grenades. This made the design practical for Chinese wartime production during the prolonged fighting of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

As Japanese forces occupied Chinese industrial areas, they captured large quantities of weapons, ammunition, manufacturing equipment, and existing military stores. Examples of the Type 23 were later encountered by Allied troops in areas held by the Japanese, leading wartime intelligence officers to classify the weapon as a Japanese grenade even though its original design and manufacture appear to have been Chinese.

This example is in good relic condition with extensive surface oxidation, pitting, finish loss, and age wear throughout the cast-iron body. The original fuze cover remains present, which is particularly rare, although it no longer screws securely onto the fuze assembly and currently rests in position for display.

The suspension or pull ring is missing. The fuze assembly is seized in the body and does not unscrew. No attempt should be made to force, disassemble, clean internally, or otherwise disturb the fuze or cover.

The combination of the original cast body, retained pull-type fuze assembly, extremely scarce protective cover, and heavily field-worn appearance makes this a highly desirable example of one of the least commonly encountered grenades associated with Imperial Japanese service during WWII.

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).