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Austrian Schnellwurfgrenate


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Here is a WW1 era Austrian Schnellwurfgranate M16 grenade, also called the cigaro. A very interesting design, the grenade is enclosed in a outer shell that breaks apart in flight, leaving a cylindrical grenade body. The first and last image I found on the internet, the first is showing the entire grenade with the outer casing and safety handle in place. The last image shows the interior in use. 

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  • 2 months later...

In this photo there seems to be even more detail associated with the safety lever. I haven't seen this part of the mechanism on any of the few images to be found on the net. Described as Model 16 Cigaro type 1.

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Photo source Wikipedia 

I've just had a nice example of this rare grenade come my way. Outer shell,inner grenade, some of the internals. No safety lever. If I can obtain the dimensions perhaps I can have one made. I'll post pics once its landed.

 

Edited by Achtung Spitfire!
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Update and additional information.  Having  carried out further research I've established that there are at least 5 versions of the Austrian M16 Schnellwurfgrenate .However, currently I don't know the sequencial order of each particular model from a development, time line perspective. The version posted at the start of this thread is one of the rarer harder to find models which I'll describe as the 'long safety lever model' along with what I suspect is an even rarer version the 'Type 1' pictured above. Similar in appearance & pictured here is an example which I recently acquired &  which I'll describe as the 'short safety lever model'. It is complete with all the internal mechanisms. Note the similar but shorter safety lever.

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Here with the safety lever removed and the outer shell opened up revealing the inner body of the grenade.

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Here we see the inner body totally disassembled showing its complexity in design. 

Photo source Alessio Ferronato 

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And here we see how the grenade actually worked.                                                                        Photo source Internet 

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Here are 4 of the 5 models pictured together and which I'll describe in further detail in a later post. Not aware what the longer piece of ordinance 5th in line at the bottom is at this time.

Photo source Alessio Ferronato

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Edited by Achtung Spitfire!
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Great information. From what I have been able to find, on the Austro-Hungarian grenades, there are at least 5-10 versions of each type (sometimes more), as they were made by different manufacturers. One could spend quite some time looking for all the variants for that collection. 

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Of the 40 plus WW1 grenades in my collection Austro-Hungarians are the dominant number. Always coming across another type. I find them fascinating and such a collectble 'group' 👌

I have 2 more versions of the M16 coming my way (hopefully)

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I have over double the amount you have and I love finding the variants of the WW1 models. It just gets a little harder the more you have it seems.

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Absolutely. I hadn't even come across the M16 'Cigaro' until recently. Looks likely that I'll have x3 variants in the near future.Always looking, same as yourself. Those hard to come by pieces are a treat to find 🙂

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  • 2 years later...

what can I expect to pay for a M16 'Cigaro' Grenade? I know where there is one but have to make an offer for it. I really want it but di not want to get robbed or take advantage of the seller

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