Model 43 grenade
Encyclopedia
The Model 43 Stielhandgranate was introduced by the German Army
mid-way through World War II
to replace the earlier Model 24
(the archetypal stick grenade
). This development was intended to simplify production and to enhance its versatility, evidenced by even more simplification between the early and late versions.
The Model 43 consisted of an explosive-filled sheet-metal can affixed to a solid wooden stick for throwing. Although at first glance this grenade looks very similar to its predecessor, it differs in the main respect that the actual explosive charge and fuse form a self-contained unit in the head.
As such, the explosive charge could be dismounted from the stick handle and used separately as a booby trap
. This was in contrast to the Model 24, where the explosive charge was in the head but the fuse was mounted at the top of the hollow stick. A pull-cord ran down the length of the stick and was attached to a porcelain ball at the bottom, which was contained by a detachable screw cap - therefore, the older grenade could only be used when both parts were connected. When the porcelain ball was pulled, there was a 5.5- 7 second delay before explosion.
The Model 43 used the same fuse assembly (the BZE 39) as the egg-shaped Model 39 Eierhandgranate
, which was screwed into the top of the explosive charge.
In terms of collecting today, the Model 43 tends to be scarcer than the Model 24 and priced considerably higher.
German Army
The German Army is the land component of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. Following the disbanding of the Wehrmacht after World War II, it was re-established in 1955 as the Bundesheer, part of the newly formed West German Bundeswehr along with the Navy and the Air Force...
mid-way through World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
to replace the earlier Model 24
Model 24 grenade
The Model 24 Stielhandgranate was the standard hand grenade of the German Army from the end of World War I until the end of World War II. The very distinctive appearance led to its being called a "stick grenade", or a "potato masher" in British Army slang, and is today one of the most easily...
(the archetypal stick grenade
Hand grenade
A hand grenade is any small bomb that can be thrown by hand. Hand grenades are classified into three categories, explosive grenades, chemical and gas grenades. Explosive grenades are the most commonly used in modern warfare, and are designed to detonate after impact or after a set amount of time...
). This development was intended to simplify production and to enhance its versatility, evidenced by even more simplification between the early and late versions.
The Model 43 consisted of an explosive-filled sheet-metal can affixed to a solid wooden stick for throwing. Although at first glance this grenade looks very similar to its predecessor, it differs in the main respect that the actual explosive charge and fuse form a self-contained unit in the head.
As such, the explosive charge could be dismounted from the stick handle and used separately as a booby trap
Booby trap
A booby trap is a device designed to harm or surprise a person, unknowingly triggered by the presence or actions of the victim. As the word trap implies, they often have some form of bait designed to lure the victim towards it. However, in other cases the device is placed on busy roads or is...
. This was in contrast to the Model 24, where the explosive charge was in the head but the fuse was mounted at the top of the hollow stick. A pull-cord ran down the length of the stick and was attached to a porcelain ball at the bottom, which was contained by a detachable screw cap - therefore, the older grenade could only be used when both parts were connected. When the porcelain ball was pulled, there was a 5.5- 7 second delay before explosion.
The Model 43 used the same fuse assembly (the BZE 39) as the egg-shaped Model 39 Eierhandgranate
Model 39 grenade
The Model 39 Eihandgranate was a German hand grenade introduced in 1939 and produced until the end of World War II. The Eihandgranate used the same fuse assembly as the Model 43 Stielhandgranate , which was screwed into the top of the sheet-metal body...
, which was screwed into the top of the explosive charge.
In terms of collecting today, the Model 43 tends to be scarcer than the Model 24 and priced considerably higher.