German WW1 Kugel Grenade Belt Carrier.

[ron3350]

This item was discussed on 17-4-21 by Dronic69 at auction and was commented on with Google photos. Here is the real item.

I got this grenade 4 years ago and was also surprised to find that a belt carrier, rather than call it a pannier, was used with this grenade.
The alloy fuze seems wrong ( fits the Eierhandgranate rather than the Kugel) but was used in 1915.
I do not want to unclip the rather delicate leather strap as it is showing fatigue marks and may be damaged or break.
I guess that the clip fits the pull-loop on the fuze and ignites when the grenade is yanked from the carrier and ready to throw. Any comments?

I show all views and this item is very scarce in Australia.

 

[Alpini]

Everything is ok with it. The Zinc alloy fuzes were used also on the Kugelhandgranate.

 

[Millsman]

You are correct about the use of the pull loop being connected to the carrier. There was also a square chest plate the German grenadiers used with a hook on it to pull the igniter from a grenade.

Real carriers are just a scarce here. Though there are some decent repros around. Normally the leather gives them away.

 

[Alpini]

Here's an official German manual about this carrier:

 

[Snufkin]

Thanks Alpini for that page from the manual.

For those having trouble with the German, I make the effective translation to English from the literal to be:

[FONT=&amp]"Top Secret. Instructions for using the carrying frame for kugel grenades.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]The frame is used to carry Kugel grenades with the chain attached, the chain acting as a fuze-pull device (a). The frame protects the fuze from damage.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]To throw, loosen the strap (b), tightly grip the Kugel grenade and pull it out downwards.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Frames with worn belt closures are no longer to be re-used, so that the Kugel grenade does not fall out prematurely and ignite. Such frames to be sent to Engineer/Ordnance Park."[/FONT]