US, MK21 Practice Pineapple Grenade, Marked RFX 737, Inert

*US, MK21 Practice Pineapple Grenade, Marked RFX 737, Inert*

Marked RFX on the outside and 737 on the neck and the numbers 5 and 7 on the body. RFX stands for Richmond Foundry & Mfg Co. of Richmond VA.

It appears that the M21 grenade was designated in 1943/44. Most likely it was simply a redesignation of the Mk. 2 and Mk. 2A1 practice grenades to prevent errors in supply. Initially there is little to differentiate between the Mk. 2 Practice Grenade and the M21. They both used the same bodies. The M21 used the M10A2 or M10A3 fuze mechanisms. In February 1945 the M205 fuze mechanism was developed specifically for the M21 grenade. The M205A1 replaced the M205 in 1951 and in 1954 the M205A2 began to be used.

In the post war years, the bodies of the M21 were purpose made rather than utilizing bodies from fragmentation grenades. The bodies are cast iron with an enlarged unthreaded hole in the bottom. The hole is chamfered to assist in placing the cork in the bottom. The fragmentation pattern is also different than live grenades. The fragments are more pronounced and are quite rounded. The top is threaded to accept the fuze mechanism which could be either the M205A1 or M205A2. It appears that a single supplier was used to manufacture this type of body. The bodies are marked RFX which is Richmond Foundry & Mfg Co. of Richmond VA.

*Condition*
Good used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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