~Austro-Hungarian Zeitzünder Gewehrgranate, 1st & 2nd Variants~ ~Parts Comparison with the Rohrhandgranate~ |
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These are Austro-Hungarian Zeitzünder ("time fuze") rod grenades, used during WWI. The serrated fragmentation type (first variant),and the smooth bodied grenade (second variant), the Model 16. Both have the same inertial pull-fuze. When fired, the heavy end piece would be stripped from the fuze and light the friction igniter, automatically setting the time delay. With the rod removed, they served as pull fuzes for use as hand grenades . Weights (empty): 1.15kg (2lb 9oz) 1st var., 620g (1lb 7oz) 2nd var.. Total length including the rod, 880mm) |
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The first variant is massive and heavily segmented both inside and out, one of the most dramatic body styles from any country in this regard.
The second model is very simple, just a plain cylindrical casting. Apparently, extra range was the design goal for that version. Considering that the typical WWI battlefield was very
soft & muddy, this grenade probably wasn't very effective. Hitting the ground before detonating it no doubt would bury itself quite well, stifling the explosion. The wear on the rifle used to fire these must have been significant, as it was for the British Enfield, launching Mills Bombs. |
A comparison of the Zeitzünder rod grenade with its hand grenade counterpart the Rohrhandgranate. The body style is identical, threaded at both ends, allowing different fore and aft pieces to be substituted so the center casting could be configured to be either a rifle or hand grenade. This hand grenade example is staked across the plug of the wire handle. |
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All things considered, this seems to be a pretty versatile design that
was easy to manufacture. One significant drawback however is its extreme
weight and cumbersome size..
(Anyone know the Model Designation for the first varient?) |
One side note.... Apparently the nick-name "Gugaruz" (Corn) was a common refernce to this grenade. Or maybe a better name might be Platsch-Gugaruz (Popcorn)? Curious that hand munitions have had food related nick-names applied to them by solders around the world, (i.e. pineapple, lemon, potato masher, pear, egg ... to name a few) |
Variations | ||
24.09.24 |