Vivien-Bessieres grenade 1937?

[Rrickoshae]

hi, please see the attached photos of a V-B grenade that I have. This grenade is in excellent condition and has BN stamped in the body and the fuze is marked 'ECP 19 37'.

Does this figure represent the date?View attachment 110354View attachment 110355View attachment 110356 were they still making them as late as 1937?

Also, who are the manufacturers BN & ECP?

many thanks for any information you can give me

regards, dave

 

[Yodamaster]

Hi Rrickoshae,

I have no correspondance for BN, but ECP is french : Ecole Centrale de Pyrotechnie, Bourges.


Yoda

 

[Rrickoshae]

many thanks Yoda, that answers that question. Do you know if they were being manufactured as late as 1937?

regards, dave

 

[Yodamaster]

From a french doc I have (thanks JPL), the Viven-Bessières was created in 1915, officially adopted in 1916 and retired of service in 1940 !


Yoda

 

[Rrickoshae]

From a french doc I have (thanks JPL), the Viven-Bessières was created in 1915, officially adopted in 1916 and retired of service in 1940 !


Yoda

1940!! well I'm blowed. Shows what a good design it must have been, or perhaps how slow the French were to upgrade their inventory - no offence intended to any French members. Many thanks Yoda, Dave