Polish 1939 Hand Grenade with WZ 31 Fuse

[M8owner]

As you know, I am not that into grenades. However, I have been offered this item for $100. Is this a good buy? Thank you for your help.

 

[Seawitch]

Hi M8 - I have quite a number Polish inert grenades. I am pretty sure the fuse you have on the Polish Grenade is incorrect. It looks like a modern day French fuse and lever (which although fits in the screw thread is not right at all). I stand to be corrected but am 95% certain of this.

 

[Slick]

Looks like the Poles copied the French fuze. Or maybe the other way around. So it may be correct.

http://lexpev.nl/grenades/sovietbalkan/poland/granatobronnywz33.html

http://lexpev.nl/fuzesandigniters/france/mle1935fuze.html

As for whether it's worth the $100 asking price, probably. Been out of the market for a while, due to the prices, so I might not be the best advisor.

 

[M8owner]

Thank you gentlemen. I have requested a photo of the WZ GR 31 on the fuse - if it is there. From what I can tell, the Poles copied much from the French. Model 1897 French 75mm field guns in Polish service come to mind.

 

[sgtlynn]

Actually the French copied the Poles on the grenade fuze, the french fuze was adopted in 1935, well after the Poles designed it.

 

[M8owner]

I now have a close up of the fuse showing the correct markings "WZGR31".

 

[pajarito]

I've got some types of Polish Wz.GR.31 fuzes

 

[grenades]

Fuze on the left is a earlier type for grenades wz.O 23 and wz.Z 23.Nice body on the left.If you will have one with this marking for sale or trade tell me know

 

[jeff w]

Looks like it is in good shape.
That's the obronny (defensive) grenade - you need to find the zaczepny (offensive) to have the matched set.

 

[marek_wawa]

M8owner, the granade you were offered is ok.
And yes, the French copied our fuze or possibly bought the rights for it.

Pajarito: nice collection
jeff w: nice polish training grenade, very nice