WW1 French "OF" Grenade

[Gildwiller1918]

Here are 2 examples of the French OF1 grenade, OF1 stood for Offensive No. 1. These grenades were made from stamped metal, connected at the center band, with a threaded neck for the fuse to be inserted. The idea of the offensive grenade was to stun or incapacitate the enemy while not exposing ones forces to shrapnel from the blast, so they could keep advancing. So these models, unlike most other WW1 grenades have no fragmentation bands. Some of the first OF's to be used utilized the older Mle. 1915 percussion ignition plug (shown on the left), which was a long cardboard tube which held the 5 second fuse. Later models used the Mle. 1916 Brillant automatic ignition plug (Shown on the right). The grenades were filled with a variety of explosive materials as the war went on to include, Cheddite, Schneideirite, and NTMX. This grenade was also used into WW2 by French forces with the fuse updated to the Mle. 35 fuse. Typically live grenades were painted grey. These models were also used by US forces in France. 

[Gildwiller1918]

Period image of French troops with a crate of OF and F1 grenades. The F1 grenades were the defensive type with exterior fragmentation. 

[Achtung Spitfire!]

Here’s an example I recently acquired. Incorrect pin unfortunately it’s off an F1 as far as I know but I’m looking for the correct one.

 

[Gildwiller1918]

Nice OF you got there, yes the pins are typically missing or swapped out for something else. You could always make a replica if you can't find a real one. The pull ring you have appears to be the type used on the F35 fuse assembly.