The Austrian M16 (Cigaro Grenade)

This is a 1st WW Austrian Impact Defensive Grenade. It has two Clam shell covers which are hinged at one end and secured at the other by a small catch similar to the ring pull on a drinks can. The hinged end also has a long pin which enters the grenade and secures the fuse mechanism in a safe position.

When the catch is removed and the grenade thrown, the two shells open and catch the wind thus withdrawing the saftey pin from the fuze mechanism. The grenade is now armed and when it lands it will detonate no matter which angle it lands at.

The fuze is an all ways impact type and works as follows When the pin is withdrawn the steel ball is held in equilibrium between the two points. Upon impact the ball is displaced and the botton post is free to move upwards under the pressure of the large spring. When it reaches the limit of its travel the thinest part of it lines up with the three ball bearings which are then free to move inwards thus unlocking the large cylindrical striker. This is then free to move downwards under pressure of the spring and strikes the percussion cap which ignites the detonator which in turn ignites the explosive which bursts the body into lethal shards.

Many thanks to Ed for these magnificent cut away pictures. He has put a lot of time and effort into them and I am eternaly greatfull. Cheers Ed..

You can see more of Ed's awesome diagrams on his great web site. There is a link on my home page. CHECK IT OUT NOW !

The Grenade body is Serated internaly to promote even fragmentation.

Hight 140mm width 45mm Explosive TNT Fuze All ways impact

As you can see this is a very complex Grenade and must have been very expensive to manufacture.

The only markings I can find are EV on the base

Here is a slight variation on the fastening of the covers. The left one has a split pin instead of the ring pull