Original German Second World War M43 Stielhandgranate, complete with its wooden haft and cylindrical steel grenade head. This example retains the correct late-war pattern sheet-metal canister head with rolled seam, screw base, and integral pull-ring striker cap assembly. The wooden throwing handle is of solid construction and displays the correct drilled vent hole, with surface wear, shrinkage, and age patination consistent with wartime manufacture and service use.
The steel head exhibits extensive oxidation with remnants of original factory-applied paint visible beneath corrosion. Construction features are consistent with the simplified late-war M43 pattern, reflecting material conservation and accelerated production methods adopted by Germany from 1943 onwards. A strong, honest example of this iconic German infantry grenade design.
Approx. Measurements – Overall length: 35.5 cm.
Historical Note:
The M43 Stielhandgranate was introduced during the latter part of the Second World War as a simplified successor to earlier models such as the M24. It consisted of an explosive-filled sheet-metal can affixed to a solid wooden throwing handle. Incorporating a combined detonator and fuse assembly, the grenade head could be unscrewed from the handle and used independently, most commonly in booby-trap applications.
The M43 could also be adapted into an anti-personnel fragmentation grenade through the addition of an external fragmentation sleeve or improvised materials, increasing its effectiveness against exposed troops. Issued widely from 1943 until the end of the war, the M43 saw service across all branches of the German armed forces. Its distinctive form earned it the well-known Allied nickname “potato masher”, and it remains one of the most recognisable infantry weapons of the Second World War.
*Condition*
Inert and safe for display. The steel grenade head shows heavy surface corrosion and oxidation throughout, with pitting and wear consistent with age, field use, and prolonged storage. The wooden handle exhibits cracking, surface splits, abrasions, and darkening, all commensurate with wartime manufacture and service use. The grenade head unscrews from the handle correctly as intended, confirming proper original construction and an intact thread interface. The pull-ring and striker cap assembly are present but seized with corrosion. No restoration or cleaning has been undertaken. 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.
