Unusual fragmentation-sleeve for M24/M43 stick handgrenade

[Ferdinand W.]

Hello,

I have had this unusual frag-sleeve in my collection for a few years now.
As you can see, it is a ground-dug item, discovered with a metal-detector
in the Luxembourg Ardennes´forests.

As I wrote, to me it is very unusual as the serrated frag-sleeves are, supposedly, not open on 1 side.
The opening would be normal and regular for a smooth one but on the serrated one ????

The was no ring with it but the remains of 1 clip are still there and visible.

What are your opinions on this strange frag-sleeve ?

Looking forward to read your opinions !!
Many thanks in advance for your comments !


Ferdinand WEIS

[Ferdinand W.]

#3 and #4

[Ferdinand W.]

#5 and also last pic


Ferdinand

[MG34NZ]

Than is an interesting one Ferd, Looking at the edge the line does appear to be slightly irregular rather than a nice clean straight edge, this and the fact that there is the remains of a clip suggest that this is a regular sleeve that has split down one of the fragmentation lines. as you know the regular split type sleeve is a tight friction fit and relies on the split to allow it to open sufficiently to fit to the grenade can where as the clip on type is generally an easy slip on fit and is retained by the spring clips which are in turn secured with the wire ring so to have a split sleeve with spring retention would not not make any seance.
But hey that's just my opinion!!

Regards
Andrew

[oberjaeger]

hi fern...never saw one like yours before....now you have to clean it very carefully to see the details...
happy cleaning
and best regards jens

[Ferdinand W.]

Unusual fragmentation-sleeve for M24/M43 stick handgrenade

Hi Andrew - Hallo Jens,

thanks for your comments !!

I´m wondering if it could split down exactly on 1 fragmentation line
when the hand-grenade went up. Almost impossible.

Was probably not "opened" by an exploding head. Perhaps by some other physical impact.......?

I have no good/clear explanation for the moment......
And that´s good - some secret to enlighten !

It will be cleaned with great care, for sure !!

Thanks,


Ferd

[jeeeensy]

Hi Ferd...
I am sure this is a brb sleeve that has split,, I have one here the same also another one in 2 halves


Best Regards Nick ,,

[Infanteer]

It does appear that it may have split along one of the fragmentation lines. If you were able to try fitting this to a grenade head (or even measure the diameter) you will see if it's a tight or loose fit which will answer your question. If it's tight on a grenade then it was designed that way. If it's loose then it's simply a standard sleeve that has split for some reason.

[MG34NZ]

Hi Ferd
The split could be caused by stress in the metal from from the manufacturing process, the sleeves seem to be made from high tensile steel and are brittle by nature, the grooves being rolled into the steel would create a lot of structural stress. Or maybe a tree root has grown through it. But Im of the firm belief this is a standard sleeve as the fracture line is uneven and the fact there is a remnant of a spring still on the sleeve.

Regards
Andrew

[Ferdinand W.]

Unusual fragmentation-sleeve for M24/M43 stick handgrenade

It does appear that it may have split along one of the fragmentation lines. If you were able to try fitting this to a grenade head (or even measure the diameter) you will see if it's a tight or loose fit which will answer your question. If it's tight on a grenade then it was designed that way. If it's loose then it's simply a standard sleeve that has split for some reason.

Hi,

that was a good idea, I tried to put it on an M24 can and it fitted over it very easily, with some space left.

So it is clear what all of you told me: it split open by tension or some outer influence, perhaps laying in the ground for more than 45 years.

Thanks for all your comments and opinions !

Happy collecting !!

Ferd

[oberjaeger]

hello Fern,
here is my brb marked one.....also with the crack....as in found condition....please note the faint ink 1944 stamping...
best regards jens

[oberjaeger]

ink stamping

[Ferdinand W.]

Unusual fragmentation-sleeve for M24/M43 stick handgrenade

Hello Jens,


many thanks for your pics of your "split-open" frag-sleeve !!

Very nice !! AND most interesting to me, of course !

Thanks again,

Ferd