WW1 German ‘Ink Pot’ Rifle Grenade

This is a Karabingranate 1917, a German counter part of the French Viven-Bessière grenade which the French introduced in 1916, revolutionizing the trench warfare.

Based on the same general principles than the French VB, it was likewise cylindrical, innerly prefragmentated, introduced in a sleeve fixed to the Mauser infantry rifle, propelled by a conventional ammunition combustion gasses, and explosive after a fixed time triggered by the passing of the bullet inside of a central tube.

Major differences were found in its bigger size (6 cm diameter instead of 5 cm for the VB), and by the ignition system, not triggered by the bullet hitting a small hammer like with the VB, but instead igniting a lateral starter communicating with the detonator via a radial channel.

The maximum range could reach 180 m.

~ Dimensions ~

The grenade weighs 435 grams and its diameter is 2.36 inches (6 cm).

~ Condition ~

The grenade is inert.

Its overall condition is fair for its age with general pitting and surface rust.

ref. GS73860FD / PQD0LMNN