WW1 US Gas Grenade

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is a US KJ, Mk II Gas grenade (inert). Orders for this grenade were placed in February of 1918, however there were issues with the grenade and pressure testing. Eventually these issues were worked out by the summer of 1918 and over 900,000 were made before the war ended, with nearly 250,000 sent overseas. This grenade was pressurized and filled with stannic chloride (KJ) which was one of he many types of gases used during the war. This gas, while not as deadly as others, produced a thick cloud that choked its victims, while also irritating the eyes. This grenade was designed to be used clear dugouts and other areas from trenches once captured. Usually these models are painted grey, and I have seen some that have "KJ" stenciled on the upper body to show the filling type.