Italian WW1 S.I.P.E. Cast Iron Hand Grenade. - O 1657 Italian WW1 S.I.P.E. Cast Iron Hand Grenade. - O 1657 Other Ammunition

This is an Italian WW1 S.I.P.E. cast iron hand grenade introduced in 1915 to become the main hand grenade if service. The name S.I.P.E. stands for Società Italiana Prodotti Esplondenti (Italian Society of Explosive Products). The grenade has segments cast into the outside of the body and the fuse and was originally fitted with a lead screwcap. This lead safety cap was later replaced by a brass safety cap which helped to waterproof the friction striker fuse. This fuse operated like a striking match which was fitted to the top of the grenade, after removing the safety cap. There are no casting marks on the grenade which is normal. The left handed brass fuse holder has two flats on it to tighten it into the grenade and contains part of the original safety fuse. When the safety cap is unscrewed it tightens the fuse into the body. The top of the fuse is right hand threaded on the top for the safety cap. The price includes UK delivery and no licence is required to possess these inert hand grenades in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. O 1657