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| Mk-II A1 Grenade The standard fragmentation grenade used by American soldiers in World War II was the Mk-II A1, sometimes referred to as a "pineapple" due to its shape. The body was a cast iron casing that was filled initially with TNT and, later, EC blasting powder after it was found the explosive was too violent to achieve optimum fragmentation. Originally painted yellow (the US army colour code for High Explosive) by 1942, this had been recognised as a tactical and camouflage flaw. Production continued in drab with a yellow band beneath the fuse. Some stocks of grenades were over-painted olive drab (see picture). The Mark II grenade was fitted with an M-10 fuze that featured a bouchon or "mousetrap� style igniter system. A pressed steel safety lever held down the striker and both striker and safety lever were secured with a steel safety pin and pull ring. Pulling the pin would not set the grenade off until the thrower released the safety lever, allowing the striker to snap forward, igniting the grenade's delay fuze. The fuse was cut to burn for five seconds, but this time could vary considerably so, contrary to the Hollywood myth, both grenade and safety lever were thrown together. Weight: 20 oz. Explosive Type: TNT or EC blank fire powder Blast Radius: 30 yards |
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