WW1 Grenade

[St. Ives]

Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a genuine grenade (made safe, of course) from WW1? I am not looking for a replica. I am hoping to get a real one that might have been used in the Trenches in Normandy.

Thanks in advance.

[Paul Reed]

I am a little confused; is it a WW1 or WW2 grenade you want? If it's WW1, then remember there were no 'trenches' in Normandy; the fighting in the Great War did not affect that area. De-activated grenades used to be available via eBay, but I believe they are banned now. I also hear that there may be restrictions placed on the ownership of ordnance, even de-act ordnance, in the near future.

[marcus69x]

If it had been used, it would have exploded and there wouldn't be anything left of it. I presume you mean one that had been issued to a soldier on the front line?

[von Poop]

I bought a German WW1 rifle grenade for the missus (don't ask) a few years ago in a fine (if somewhat intimidating) shop in Nottingham, I believe it was this place: Antique arms, British swords, percussion rifles, German daggers and more - michaeldlong.com, but they seem far from uncommon at Militaria fairs, 'fraid I don't know the situation in Ireland though.

With the way the (ridiculous) law's going, I'd say get in there and find those things you've been meaning to buy soonish, before nanny tells us we're no longer considered sensible enough to buy 80 year old balls of rusty metal.

Cheers,
Adam.

[arneken]

Deactivated Grenades are free for sale (I think) here in Belgium/Holland.
vanherpe - Tweedehands markt zoekertjes

I think he's got some mills-bombs for sale.

[St. Ives]

Originally Posted by Paul Reed

I am a little confused; is it a WW1 or WW2 grenade you want? If it's WW1, then remember there were no 'trenches' in Normandy; the fighting in the Great War did not affect that area. De-activated grenades used to be available via eBay, but I believe they are banned now. I also hear that there may be restrictions placed on the ownership of ordnance, even de-act ordnance, in the near future.

Sorry, my fault. I do get confused now and again. I should have said the Somme.

My grandfather fought in the trenches back then and I am currently trying to get hold of any stuff that would have been used during that time to help my own grandkids get a better idea of what he might have used weapon-wise.

Not sure what the legalities are about having such deactivated grenades or other deactivated weapons here in southern Ireland but I don't think we're as bad as you guys are experiencing.

Thanks Adam for that link. That Robert Hedger could be a very useful contact.

[Martin Bull]

Target Arms in South London are a very long-established dealer in militaria, specialising in WWI. I've certainly seen deactivated grenades in their shop in the past.

They have a website at ; -

Target Arms

Usual disclaimers......

[St. Ives]

That is a great site Martin, I see the have a genuine Webley MK6 1918! It's expensive at £575, but if I can OK it with the missus I would like to go for that.

Must get back to checking out that site. What a great source.