US WW2 MK1 illumination Grenade grenade reproduction.

HISTORY :

The Mk.I Illumination grenade was made and used by the U.S. during (and after) WWII. It was used primarily for illumination and signaling. Because of high temperature generated by the pyrotechnic composition, these grenades could have been used for incendiary purposes against flammable targets.

The body was made of two sheet metal cups with magnesium illuminating compound loaded in the lower half. When ignited by the fuze, the grenade halves separate due to the combustion pressure. The grenade burns for 25 seconds producing 55,000 candle power. A typical use for the Mk.I was in conjunction with a trip wire in a defensive perimeter, as well as other battlefield illumination and signaling purposes.

BODY & FUZE SHAPE :

The body and fuze of our MKII repros are 3D printed with solid PETG plastic.

On original MKI grenades, body and fuze are 2 separate parts screwed together. On our repros, body + fuze are printed in 1 solid piece for durability and production convenience. Also, we consider it is not necessary to unscrew fuze from body for reenactment purposes. Solidity first!

BODY & FUSE COLOR :

The body is made of dark grey solid plastic. The body is then painted OD green.

When using your grenade, the OD paint will slowly wear off and scratch over time, revealing the grey/steel aspect underneath (just like the real deal, which is a plus regarding authenticity).

Fuze is painted metal grey, with a red washer below.

We then apply a light patina for more visual realism.

SPOON :

Correct spoons are maybe the most complicated part of the grenade to find or make (for a fair price). We have invested in some heavy machinery, and are able to make them with correct WW2 specs :

• long handle with mechanically stamped ‘Y’ stiffener on the back
• cups over the top of the fuse head
• OD green painted, or metal grey

Spoon can be removed.

RING & PIN :

Surprisingly, reproduction rings with correct WW2 specs are very hard to find. So here again, we make our own rings. And they look just perfect, with correct diameter and cut.

The ring can be pulled.

WEIGHT :

Overall weight is 70g.

ATTENTION :

⚠️ Please be aware that this product do not meet any real weapon safety criteria. This is a dummy prop.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE :