USA, Vietnam–Cold War Era, M69 Practice Grenade Complete with M228 Blue Training Fuse, Inert

*USA, Vietnam–Cold War Era, M69 Practice Grenade Complete with M228 Blue Training Fuse, Inert*

An inert U.S. M69 practice grenade, consisting of the correct spherical steel body paired with its original M228 blue-painted training fuse assembly. The grenade measures approximately 9 cm tall and 6 cm in diameter, with the classic open base, hollow interior and threaded neck designed for repeated training use. The steel casing has a dark, even patinated finish with light oxidation from handling and storage.

The fuse assembly features the full striker housing, pull ring, safety pin and the distinctive blue-painted spoon (lever) used exclusively on U.S. practice ordnance. The fuse threads cleanly into the body, and the mechanism remains free-moving. Entirely inert with no pyrotechnic components.

Historical Note:
The M69 became the standard U.S. Army and Marine Corps practice grenade during the Vietnam War and remained in extensive service through the Cold War. Designed to replicate the weight, feel and throwing characteristics of the M67 “baseball” fragmentation grenade, it allowed soldiers to train realistically without live fragmentation risk. When used with a live M228 practice fuse, the M69 produced a harmless report and puff of smoke on detonation, enabling repeated drills in throwing, cover techniques and timed release.

The blue M228 fuse is unique to practice grenades and provides instant visual confirmation of inert training status. The combination of a reusable steel body and a replaceable training fuse made the M69 one of the longest-serving and most recognisable U.S. practice grenades of the late 20th century.

*Condition*
The steel grenade body displays a well-aged, consistent brown patina with areas of light to moderate surface oxidation typical of long-stored practice grenades. The casting remains structurally sound with no cracks, splits or impact distortions. The threaded neck is intact, undamaged and accepts the fuse smoothly. The open base shows the usual training-wear abrasion around the rim but no deformation. Surface pitting is present throughout but remains shallow and stable, giving the piece an honest field-used appearance. The M228 blue training fuse retains the majority of its original blue paint with rubbing to the edges of the spoon and light oxidation to the pull ring and pin. The spoon sits correctly against the striker housing, and all components show typical handling wear. Entirely inert and safe for display. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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