Calling all German grenade experts

[Tom W.]

Can anybody identify these grenades? Thanks very much.

[calibre792x57.y]

I would certainly not call myself an expert on German grenades, but 'A' is a percussion fuzed grenade produced in 1916 with a 'stick' handle partially of metal and partially wood. The weighted striker is retained by a hairpin spring which is held closed by being contained in a tube within the handle. Removing the screw cap allows the tube to slide back and leave the striker held only by spring tension. On striking the ground the striker runs forward against the pressure of the anti-creep spring and fires the grenade. The grenade 'B' also has a metal stick handle which contains a length of cord and a weight at the bottom. This mechanism functions as an 'automatic' lighter for the time delay. Removing the screwcap allows the weight to slide out as the grenade is thrown, pulling out the cord which is of sufficient length to allow the grenade to travel some feet before the cord pulls the friction igniter and ignites the delay, which will in turn explode the detonator. The cord is sufficiently long to allow for the grenade to be dropped accidently without operating the friction igniter. This grenade also appeared in 1916. The other two diagrams appear to be variations on the M.1916/17 time fused models. Both A and B are rare grenades. 'E' is unknown to me. I hope this helps a little. SW