*RARE: French, WWI, 2nd Model Barbed Wire Destruction Grenade - Pétard de Destruction pour Barbelés, Inert*
Approximate measurements: 11.5" long, metal body 5.4", 2.5" base diameter
A very scarce WWI Hand Grenade.
These grenades were designed to create breaches in enemy barbed wire defences, offering a faster and safer alternative to wire cutters, which left soldiers vulnerable to machine gun fire.
The design was simple: a steel cylinder containing Cheddite explosive, capped with wooden plugs at both ends. A hollow wooden stick housed a pull igniter connected to a 5-second fuse. Upon ignition, the charge detonated, effectively clearing barbed wire entanglements. The first model contained 400g of cheddite. A new longer 2nd model with a doubled explosive charge, 800g appeared in 1916,. It measures 11 1/2" in overall length.
*Condition*
This is a very rare grenade which survives in surprisingly good condition given its history. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
*In order to complete the online purchase we will require a picture/scan of a photo ID (Driving Licence, Passport or an official document with a recent picture). If you don't posses any such document please call to buy. If we consider that the proof of ID is incorect or insuficient, we reserve the right to cancel the transaction.
*We also reserve the right to cancel the transaction with a full refund if there is any suspicion that the provided item will be used in any way contrary to the laws and legislation of UK.
