WW1 French Mle. 18 Anti-Chars Grenade

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is my newly made Mle. 18 Anti-Chars Grenade (Replica). These were made in 1918, the first factory made anti-armor device. Fairly simple construction, the main body was brass and was soldered together, with a wood handle. The fuse was the same type used on OF grenades, however the spoon/handle was longer and straighter that the OF versions. My replica has the OF version handle, until I can make a proper one. First image shows a original with a transit plug in the wood handle base where the fuse would normally go. The other images are of my replica. Since the Germans only had 20 of their own tanks, the reason for this device would be to disable motorized vehicles, armored cars, and possibly captured allied vehicles and armor. These are exceedingly rare and I have never seen one for sale.