The German Model 1917 “Egg” grenade was one of the most successful hand grenade designs of the First World War. Compact, easy to throw, and highly effective in trench fighting, it proved so practical that it directly influenced Allied designs — most notably the British No. 34 “egg” grenade. Its shape and simplicity reflect how quickly grenade design evolved once trench warfare made close-quarters fighting unavoidable.

Design and operation

Officially known as the Eierhandgranate (egg hand grenade), this model featured a smooth, oval cast-iron body designed to fit naturally in the hand. The compact form made it quicker to throw accurately than larger “pineapple”-style grenades and allowed soldiers to carry more grenades with less bulk.

This example is a cast-iron grenade approximately 2.75 inches in diameter, with a shallow scored band around its midsection. While often assumed to control fragmentation, the scoring was primarily intended to improve grip and handling rather than produce predictable shrapnel patterns. As with most grenades of the period, fragmentation remained largely irregular.

The grenade used a friction-ignited time fuze housed internally. When activated, the fuze burned for a short delay before detonating the main explosive charge, giving the thrower time to take cover.

Influence and legacy

The effectiveness of the Model 1917 did not go unnoticed by Germany’s opponents. Its compact, egg-shaped form directly inspired the British No. 34 grenade, adopted later in the war to provide a lighter, more easily thrown alternative to heavier designs.

The Eierhandgranate became one of the most widely recognized German grenades of the First World War and remains a clear example of how battlefield experience rapidly shaped weapon design.

Condition and notes on this specimen

This grenade is original but has been rendered inert, retaining an uncommon original fuze assembly. The original black painted finish is largely worn away, consistent with age and handling, though traces remain visible between the raised ridges around the midsection of the body.

Technical specifications

• Overall type: Fragmentation hand grenade
• Body material: Cast iron
• External form: Oval “egg” shape with shallow mid-body scoring
• Ignition system: Friction-ignited time fuze
• Fuse delay: Approximately 4–5 seconds (varied by fuze type)
• Explosive filling: High explosive (type varied by production batch)
• Diameter: Approximately 2.75 inches (about 7 cm)