Model 17 grenade

The Model 17 Eierhandgranate (German: Model 17 Eierhandgranate, lit. 'Model 17 Egg Hand Grenade') is a small defensive and offensive hand grenade which was used by Germany during World War I.

Model 17 Eierhandgranate (M17 egg hand grenade)
The left example is fitted with a transportation plug and the right one with an ignition fuse.
Type	Hand grenade
Place of origin	German Empire
Service history
In service	1916–?
Wars	World War I
Production history
Produced	1916–?
Specifications
Mass	318 g (0.701 lb)
Length	6 cm (2.4 in)
Diameter	4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Filling	Gun powder, aluminium and barium nitrate mixture
Filling weight	32g
Detonation mechanism	Friction, 5 seconds

Design

The Model 17 was more portable than the heavier Kugelhandgranate and less awkward to handle than the stick grenade.

The body of the Model 17 was initially smooth and thus difficult to hold so the design was modified with the addition of a raised band for better grip.

A similar grenade called the Model 39 grenade was later introduced by Germany and used in World War II.

The average soldier could throw a Model 17 40 meters or further.

Users

• Austro-Hungary
• German Empire

See also

• Stielhandgranate
• Kugelhandgranate
• Model 39 grenade