BACKGROUND: The high explosive, concussion, M24 stick hand grenade was a modification of the WWI German M1915 stick grenade and was to become the most common grenade used by Germany during WWII. Modifications of the M24 grenade resulted in the longer M39 grenade in 1939 and the M43 grenade with a different fuse insertion configuration in 1943. Another grenade based on a WWI pattern and introduced in 1939 was the M39 stick smoke grenade that was utilized to blind enemy observers and conceal German activity. The M39 stick smoke grenade was basically identical to the M24 concussion stick grenade which resulted in the M39 being given distinctive markings so as not to be mistakenly used as a concussion grenade. The M39 grenade also replaced the detonator as used on the M24 with a seven second delay igniter which activated the internal chemicals resulting in creating a smoke screen which was released from holes drilled on the bottom edge of the head. The smoke would emanate from the grenade for up to two minutes. Of Note: The first M39 stick grenades were distinguished by painting a white stripe on the handle and white script on the head but the markings were found insufficient and a later pattern with grooves in the handle was developed for easier recognition.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Later pattern, M39 stick smoke grenade with a sheet metal construction head and a lathed, subtly contoured, natural wood handle with sheet metal fittings to both its top and bottom ends. The top end of the handle has a screw threaded sheet metal fitting. The top fitting was designed to screw into the bottom of the sheet metal grenade head. The bottom of the wooden handle has a removable, screw threaded sheet metal cap with a corresponding screw threaded sheet metal receiver. Pull cord and bead are missing. The handle has dual contoured identification grooves near the bottom end. The sides of the grenade head has white stenciled script, "Nb. Hgr 39" indicating, Nebel Handgranate 39, (Smoke Hand grenade 39), and four white, horizontal identification stripes with fine diagonal lines.

Please note, due to Postal Regulations. De-activated firearms and Inert Ordnance may not be shipped outside of Canada.