Original Item: Only One Available. This is a totally inert BATF complaint Austro-Hungarian Zylindergranate (Cylinder Grenade), as used during WWI. As with all deactivated ordnance, this item is not available for export.

Many of the early hand grenades in use during the first few months of the war, across all the combatant nations, were improvised explosive devices, tins full of bits of metal or anything likely to cause damage, often attached to handles for easier throwing. The Austro-Hungarian Army was no different, but by the spring of 1915, these improvised hand grenades were being replaced by the German Stielhandgranate, which the Austrians soon began importing in large quantities. They also began contracting Switzerland to manufacture these Cylinder grenades, partly based off of the earlier very primitive LAKOS design.

Compared to the LAKOS, the Zylindergranate is definitely a step up, with an actual handle and fuse. The outside has the standard lacquer coating to prevent rust, though it has flaked off in places, allowing corrosion. The bottom cap can be removed by rotating it so the crimps line up with the slots on the body. The original pin is partly present, with half remaining, and will fall out easily so handle with care.

A great example of a hard to find Central Powers grenade!