Back (German WWII)
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Short History This is the Mod. 42 “Smoke Egg Hand Grenade". It was the last smoke grenade type produced by Germany during WWII. A more compact design compared to its stick grenade predecessor, the Nb.39. This shape also allowed use as a pistol launched grenade type. Somewhat uncommon as only about 1.8 million of these Mod.42 “eggs” were produced compared to the 7.4 million of the Nebelhandgranaten types. |
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Construction
It is made of a heavy gauge formed steel body in two sections with a crimped seam. The larger bottom contained the smoke compound, the upper part contained an igniting element (time delay?) and has three smoke escape holes. A rigid carry ring is attached at the base. The ZDSCHN ANZ29 fuze is an igniting type with no detonator or internal delay element. Usually found painted a medium green, this one appears to be repainted (?) black. |
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Zündschnuranzünder 1929 "ZDSCHN ANZ 29 Fuze Lighter" Diagram |
This small brass igniter is also used for lighting safety fuse. The ring is attached to the top cap which has an internal hook linked to a friction wire. When not in use, the cap is held in place by a small brass clasp at the side. When the ring is pulled, the friction wire is pulled through the match compound, held in an internal copper cap, igniting it causing a flash, which ignites the smoke compound. |
 An example of a relic Nb.42 showing the original paint color |
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