Original WWI Italian 1915 Besozzi Fragmentation Grenade

Description

Relic condition model 1915 Besozzi Fragmentation Grenade. Inert.

During World War One the French military ordnance from various nations including Model 1915 Besozzi Fragmentation Grenades from Italy. This allowed the French soldiers a supply of relatively modern hand grenades, without requiring additional effort to an already over burdened French war industry.

In 1915, Italy joined the Allies in the Great War and some of the production of the Besozzi grenade was transferred to French manufacturers under license so that the Italian manufacturers could dedicate supply to their own army.

This Besozzi grenade is considered an important step on the road to the development of modern grenades. It’s shape, the external fragmentation and ability to hold it easily in one had was a precursor for grenades to come. However, the realities primitive ignition system utilized a wick with a phosphorated head which needed to be rubbed across a friction brush, but was more successfully ignited with a match or a pipe.

Constructed of 2 cast iron hemispheres, the French produced had a side throat exit for the wick, while the wick exited from the top for the models imported from Italy.