Original British WWI No. 27 White Phosphorus Chemical Grenade - Inert / Empty

The grenade is completely void of any content and is equipped with a totally inert fuse assembly. The grenade is inert.


Not Available For Export.


This type of grenade was introduced in December of 1916 and was originally designed to be projected from a rifle using the standard cup and rod system as soon with the Mills bombs, and just like the mills bomb, this one could be thrown by hand as well. The MK2 version of this grenade was made with a flat base fitted with a “gas check” plate for launching from a cup discharger and can be easily recognized by the addition of a steadying wire ring around the top of the grenade body. The ignition system of these grenades was based on a .410 shotgun primer with a 6.5 to 7 second delay. The contents consisted of 350 grams of
White Phosphorus. The use of these grenades was declared obsolete in January 1923.

The condition of this example reflects one that has been dug up from a battlefield. The body was cleaned up and repainted for display purposes and is the correct all black body with red band around the top. There is old pitting present and oxidation, all signs of having been ground dug. The body itself is still solid with minor holes present from rust damage, but nothing that subtracts from the beauty of it.
This is a rare grenade that is difficult to find in any condition.

Code: 734