Questions about this pre-WW2 US Mk.II

[ewag2]

Hello,

I recently picked up this early Mk.II, and I have questions about it.

1) I think this fuze is wrong for this grenade, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I think that this model would have used the "cut-back" fuze with the short spoon. Are there any other fuze types that would be correct to use with this grenade? Is it possible that some of these grenades remained in service long enough to use the M10A3 fuze, as is on this one?

2) The body is painted grey, though it is hard to tell from the pictures. I have read that this means that it is from the 1920's. Can anyone confirm this?

3) Is the correct name for this version of the Mk.II the "Mk.II HE" ?

The only marking I can find on the body is either a sideways "N" or a "Z".
Thanks in advance,
Rob

 

[sgtlynn]

1- Its very unlikely that the M10A3 fuze would be used on this particular body. The body style is WWI and just after. It should have either the Bouchon and detonator assembly Mk. II or the M5 fuze mechanism. (both cutback styles).

2- the Grey body was original to the earliest grenades, 1918 to 1923 although some grey painted grenades were still in use after that.

3- The correct name for the grenade, barring the incorrect fuze, is "Defensive Grenade Mk. II" or if fitted with the M5 fuze mech, "Fragmentation Hand Grenade, H.E. Mk. II"

 

[ewag2]

Thank you very much sgtlynn for your reply. This was exactly the kind of detailed information I was hoping for.