WW1 German Rod Rifle Grenades

[Gildwiller1918]

Germany like other nations in WW1 utilized the rodded rifle grenades in the early stages of the conflict. The rodded grenade provided the average soldier with a means to attack a distant enemy (over 300 meters) with a relative bit of accuracy. The detractions of using this type of ordinance was that the rod wore the insides of the barrel and caused stress on the rifle stocks, sometimes causing them to break and split. Another downside was that to fire these grenades, special blank cartridges were used, however in the heat of battle, sometimes soldiers forgot to swap the ammunition out and would fire live rounds into the rod grenade with disastrous effects. Lastly, both grenades were very aerodynamic, meaning they would quickly fly through the air and impact the ground, before the fuse could ignite, which negated the effects, so the braking disks were incorporated as needed to help slow the grenades down so the impact fuse would detonate properly. 

The shoot through grenades and cup launchers used later seemed to alleviate the last problem somewhat. Below are the 2 rod grenades used by Germany during WW1. The model 1913 and the model 1914 Gewehr Sprenggranate.

The model 1913 had a maximum range of 350 meters and also had the ability to use a braking disk that could be used to slow the grenade down before impact. The grenade was about 180 mm long and with the rod was 630 mm in length. The diameter was 40 mm and it had 90 grams of TNT filling. Like most grenades of the time, it came to the front with a transit plug which was removed and the fuse inserted before use. The M1913 is slightly longer and narrower than the m14 model and less common to find on the market today. 

The M1914 has a range of about 325 meters and also had the ability to use a braking disk, this model used a concave stamped metal disk, unlike the M13 which had a flat circular braking disc. The M14 was 139 mm long, with the rod it was 595 mm long and was 45mm in diameter. The M14 is the more common type to be found today, however most that come up are dug examples. 

First three pictures are of the M13

 

Next few pictures are of the M14

[Gildwiller1918]

Image of German soldiers posing with the M14 rod grenades, with transit plugs inserted. 

[Gildwiller1918]

Image of captured German M14 rod grenades. 

[72 usmc]

 Here is an interesting reference with photos about  Rifle Grenades for the Gewehr 98

https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/rifle-grenades-for-the-gewehr-98.51755/

[Gildwiller1918]

Nice images on that link, fortunately I have just about all those items. Although it took some time.