This is an inert US Mark II fragmentation grenade from the World War II era. The Mk II grenade, or commonly referred to as the "Pineapple" grenade, was the result of improvements over the WWI Mk I grenade. The Mk II saw service from 1918 through the 1960's. At the beginning of WWII these grenades were painted yellow, to correspond with the color code for high explosives. In 1943 they were painted olive drab, many just painted over the yellow, and had a small yellow stripe below the fuse to indicate high explosives. This Mk II is a late war example. It has a wider base with no fill plug in the bottom. There are two stamps on the body of the grenade, AF on one side and D on the other. The grenade was initially incorporated as a defensive weapon, but urban fighting in the European theater and lessons learned from the Pacific theater propelled this weapon into the assault arsenal. The only grenade from the WWI - WWII era that may be more recognizable than the Mk II Pineapple grenade is the German M24 "Potato Masher". This complete and correct grenade will complement your WWII collection, and make a great conversation piece on your office desk!

Item # AA1191

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