What was the nickname of the standard German grenade?
The "Potato Masher" ![]() The Model 24 Stielhandgranate was the standard hand grenade of the German Army from the end of World War I until the end of World War II. The very distinctive appearance, resembling the kitchen device of the period led to its being called a "potato masher" in army slang and is today one of the most easily recognized infantry weapons of the 20th century. Modern kitchen potato mashers, of course, resemble neither. The stick grenade was introduced in 1915 and the design developed throughout World War I. A friction igniter was used; this method was uncommon in other countries but widely used for German grenades. A pull cord ran down the hollow handle from the detonator within the explosive head, terminating in a porcelain ball held in place by a detachable base closing cap. From Absoluteastronomy.com
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