Model 43 Stielhandgranate

Model 43 Stielhandgranate history

The German Model 43 grenade entered service in 1943 in the army of the Reich under the name Model 1943 Stielhandgranate. It is supposed to replace the aging 1923 hand grenade in order to adapt its production to the German industrial imperatives of the Second World War.

It looks visually like the M23 Stielhandgranate but does not have the same structure. Indeed, the position of the primer (corresponding to the Brennzünder 39 – Bz39) is located at the explosive charge on the model 43, whereas it is located at the base of the wooden handle for the M23. Thus, the 1943 grenade can be used in the context of trapping (the wooden handle can be removed), for example behind a door or concealed in an object, the triggering being carried out by the victim.

The delay time is between 5.5 and 7 seconds. The M43 Stielhandgranate was used by the German armies until the end of the Second World War and especially during the Battle of Normandy.

Model 43 Stielhandgranate specification

Creator/User: Germany
Denomination: M43 Stielhandgranate

Type of grenade: offensive

Lethal radius: 3 meters

Time delay: between 5,5 and 7 seconds

Filling: 165 grams of donarit explosive

Total weight: 480 grammes
Length (with detonator): 345 mm
Length (without detonator): 333 mm
Diameter: 67 mm