Model 43 grenade

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The Model 43 Stielhandgranate was introduced by the German Army mid-way through World War II to replace the earlier Model 24 (the archetypal stick grenade). This development was intended to simplify production and to enhance its versatility, evidenced by even more simplification between the early and late versions.

The Model 43 consisted of an explosive-filled sheet-metal can affixed to a solid wooden stick for throwing. Although at first glance this grenade looks very similar to its predecessor, it differs in the main respect that the actual explosive charge and fuse form a self-contained unit in the head.

As such, the explosive charge could be dismounted from the stick handle and used separately as a booby trap. This was in contrast to the Model 24, where the explosive charge was in the head but the fuse was mounted at the top of the hollow stick. A pull-cord ran down the length of the stick and was attached to a porcelain ball at the bottom, which was contained by a detachable screw cap - therefore, the older grenade could only be used when both parts were connected. When the porcelain ball was pulled there was a 5.5- 7 second delay before explosion.

The Model 43 used the same fuse assembly (the BZE 39) as the egg-shaped Model 39 Eierhandgranate, which was screwed into the top of the explosive charge.

In terms of collecting today, the Model 43 tends to be scarcer than the Model 24 and priced considerably higher.