Model 39 Eihandgranate (Mod39) (Egg Hand Grenade)

History

During the First World War (1914-1918), the grenade of choice for the German Army was the "Stielhandgranate", which had a somewhat unconventional appearance compared to later (and more modern) fruit-sized products. These weapons have a rudimentary shrapnel effect and have limited defenses, but can survive long periods of time on the battlefield. This saw was in service from 1915 to 1945, and its basic design was updated to "Type 24" in 1924. During the build-up of the German army in the 1930s, a new, more conventional grenade design (based on the wartime "Model 1917" egg-shaped grenade) emerged and was adopted by the German Army in 1939 as the "Model 39 Eihandgranate" - Known widely for its recognizable egg-shaped shape, translated as "egg grenade".

The Type 39 series was in series production from 1939 until the end of World War II in 1945, and a simpler, more modern grenade form was added to the Type 39 smoke grenade and later the Type 43.

Externally, the Type 39 has the same design as other grenades in history, consisting of two main sheet metal halves that curl over a central seam while encasing the explosive charge inside. The wing nut type assembly is mounted on top and covered with a flat ceramic ball. The grenade is an easy-to-control three-inch long, 51mm diameter that's comfortable to hold. The fuze chosen is the same one used in the upcoming Type 43 grenade, making it somewhat more logistically friendly. Insert the detonator into the grenade by removing the wing nut assembly.

Then unscrew the small porcelain ball on the design to release a small piece of string stuck inside. A quick pull on this rope eventually activated the fuse, and the grenade was ready to be dropped within a predetermined window of time. The basic Type 39 grenade has a 4.5 second delay, which in most cases prevents the enemy from retracting the landed grenade and throwing it back at the enemy - a common feature of the original WW1 grenade, which makes it easier to handle the Job.

4, 7, 5 and 10 second fuzes are also available, each colour coded for quick identification of its detonation window - red, yellow and grey respectively (basic 4.5 second models are blue coded). Only when a quick detonation is required, the Type 39 can also be equipped with an "instant detonation" device for booby-trapped purposes - useful for desperate and retreating armies.

The Type 39 grenade proved effective throughout the conflict, being less bulky, lighter to carry and easier to maneuver in the heat of battle than their grenade brethren. Infantrymen can throw the Model 39 farther than their clumsy grenade relatives, adding to the gunner's tactical value when engaging underground enemies.

The original production form had a smooth casing, although it was modified in 1944 with a notch on the outside to improve handling and better fragmentation of the grenade body during detonation.

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