WW1 French Citron Model 1916 Grenade

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is a nice example of the French Lemon grenade, which was introduced in 1916 and used until the end of the war. It was relatively cheap and easy to make, allowing it to be produced in large numbers, and it was also used by other allied nations as well. The grenade had a sheet metal cap that protected the fuse assembly. The fuse was a percussion type, which was ignited by pressing down on the spring loaded plunger, which made these dangerous because there was no other safety device such as a pin to stop accidental ignition. US soldiers used these grenades quite a bit from photos I have seen. 

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is a nice photo of the lemon grenade being used by US troops, specifically the US 115th Infantry. The lemon grenades are in the lower left portion of the photo. The soldier behind them is preparing a VB grenade for launch from his M1903 rifle. All of the soldiers pictured are wearing their wool service shirts, but no tunics. Instead they are all wearing the wool knitted sleeveless sweaters. 

[Achtung Spitfire!]

A nice complete example.Especially with the safety cap. Looks bigger than I'd thought it would be. Always good to have a bit of scale.

Edited July 29, 2020 by Achtung Spitfire!
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