M24 Stielhandgranate – Inert Replica

The Stielhandgranate 24, commonly known as the M24, became one of the most recognizable German hand grenades of the twentieth century and a characteristic item of Wehrmacht equipment during the Second World War.

Its design evolved from the German stick grenades developed during the First World War, beginning in 1915 and undergoing several improvements before the Model 1924 was standardized.

The original grenade consisted of a cylindrical sheet-metal explosive head attached to a long, hollow wooden handle.

A pull cord passed through the handle and formed part of the friction-ignition system. At its lower end was a porcelain bead protected by a screw-on metal cap.

Pulling the cord activated the friction igniter, normally providing a delay of approximately 4.5 seconds.

The M24 was principally an offensive grenade. Its relatively thin metal casing produced less fragmentation than purpose-designed defensive fragmentation grenades, relying primarily on the effect of the explosive charge.

When additional fragmentation was required, a separate fragmentation sleeve could be fitted around the grenade head.

Original examples frequently carried the instruction:

“Vor Gebrauch Sprengkapsel einsetzen”

meaning “Insert detonator before use.” This reflected the practice of transporting or storing the grenades without the detonating capsule fitted.

The M24 remained in widespread German service throughout the Second World War. From 1943 it was supplemented by the simplified Stielhandgranate 43, designed to reduce manufacturing complexity.

Its unusual profile led British troops to nickname German stick grenades the “potato masher”, a name that remains strongly associated with the design today.

This replica combines a black metal head with a wooden handle and measures 35 cm overall, with a weight of 543 g.

A lesser-known detail concerns the warning printed on the grenade head: detonators could be transported separately from the grenades themselves, making the instruction to insert the detonator before use a practical logistical reminder rather than merely an identifying inscription.