The WW1 German Grenade Gallery

WW1 German 1915 Stick Grenade

This is a very rare example of the German 1915 first model stick grenade with the ball-end handle. As familiar as the British Mills grenades the various German stick grenades survived virtually unchanged into the 2nd World War. All parts are totally original. The head is in good condition (minor renovation) but there is some damage to the threaded part. It is complete with the cardboard inner, the original handle however, has an area of damage along one side. The clear marking of the fuse delay (5 1/2 Sek) can be seen. These are very scarce grenades in any condition.

WW1 German 1915 Granatenwerfer Grenade Mortar

This is an excellent example of the small finned "Priest" mortar used extensively in trench warfare from the end of 1915. They were popular with the German troops being lightweight and highly portable with a range of around 300 yards. This particular example is in good overall condition and dissasembles completely.

WW1 German 1917 Eirehandgranate Egg Grenade

This is an excellent example of the German "Egg" grenade introduced early in 1917 as a lightweight more portable longer range alternative to the Kugel and Stick grenades. This is the later model with the central band, the body is in superb condition with clear markings on the base, it comes complete with the original INERT fuse.

WW1 German 1914 Rifle Grenade with Disc

This is a scarce example of the German 1914 second model rifle grenade with the very long 45 cm rod. These were designed to be fired from rifles securely fixed in special cradles. This particular example comes with the range limiting disc, and fuse assembly. The steel body and rod are in very good overall condition, the disc has some light pitting and is a rather poor fit on the grenade.

WW1 German 1917 Shell Case

This is a brass charge case dating from the Great War, however, I am not sure for which shell - I think it is for one of the medium Howitzers. The case is 6 1/2 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches tall and very heavy. The last figure of the date is nearly invisible but I believe it is 1917. Other clear markings can be seen: "694 POLTE MAGDEBURG SP406".

WW1 German 1915 Kugel Grenade

This is an excellent example of the German Kugelhandgranate complete with INERT fuse. The Kugel was the mainstay grenade of the German Army at the beginning of the Great War and like the French Ball grenade differed little from 16th Century grenade designs except for self igniting fuses. It could be used with the carrying Pannier. This is the second model introduced in 1915 differing only in body design. On this particular example the body is in near perfect condition, the fuse is the bronze 1913 black powder pattern.

WW1 German Kugel Grenade PANNIER

This is a very rare example of the German Kugelhandgranate pannier. Designed to be used with the Kugel grenade, the pannier was used to carry the grenade on the belt. When required for use the leather strap was unhooked from the base and the pannier assembly yanked, the chain pulling and initiating the fuse. It is in good condition though lightly pitted and repainted with a supple leather strap and flexible chain

WW1 German 1915 Granatenwerfer Grenade Mortar

This is a fine example of the small finned "Priest" mortar used extensively in trench warfare from the end of 1915. They were popular with the German troops being lightweight and highly portable with a range of around 300 yards. This particular example is in excellent overall condition and dissasembles completely.

WW1 German 1917 Egg Grenade with inert fuse

This is an excellent example of the German "Egg" grenade introduced early in 1917 as a lightweight more portable longer range alternative to the Kugel and Stick grenades. This is the later model with the central band, the body is in superb condition and complete with the original INERT fuse. The wire is a reproduction.

WW1 German 1917 77mm Shell Case

This is a German brass charge case dating from the Great War. It is for the standard German Field Gun - the 77mm. The base is dated 1917 with various other markings clearly visible. Condition is ok, though discoloured. It is obviously used, empty and totally inert.

WW1 German 1917 Rifle Grenade

This is a reasonable example of the German rifle grenade introduced early in 1917 as a direct copy of the French VB Grenade. It operated in the same way, being held in a "cup" and propelled and initiated by a ball charge. The body is pitted all over but it does dissasemble completely.

WW1 German 1917 Egg Grenade with Plug

This is an excellent example of the German "Egg" grenade introduced early in 1917 as a lightweight more portable longer range alternative to the Kugel and Stick grenades. This is the later model with the central band, the body is in superb condition with (very faint) markings on the base, it comes complete with the original transportation plug (also with maker mark).

WW1 German 1914 Rifle Grenade

This is a reasonable example of the German 1914 second model rifle grenade with the very long 45 cm rod. These were designed to be fired from rifles securely fixed in special cradles. This particular example is complete with the original transportation plug. The steel body and rod are in reasonable condition with some pitting. The rod is a poor fitting in the body

I would like to thank Monsieur Poilu, for his kind permission to put the grenade pictures on the 'Before 1919...' website.

Before 1919 ... A site devoted to Great War Militaria (WW1) and collectibles. We have many topics covering the following studies : World War 1 Steel Helmets, Spiked helmets, various headgear including peaked caps or képi 's , (schirmmütze), uniforms, gas mask, infantry troops and equipment , badges, Uniform and Equipment of many nations, including Germany, France, Belgium and the UK. We also have some links to reenactment groups.

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