Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[gwsiii]

I've said before, I don't know nothin bought no ordnance, here I go, this is the extent of my ordnance collection, I think these are Type 91 grenades, one for use with the Type 10 and Type 89 Knee mortars (note booster) the other modified so it can not be used in the Knee mortar, (note tabs at base and inner base has no threads for propellant charge module). Experts feel free to add to the knowledge base. Both were purchased for under $100. (edited to correct content)


_________________
Subscribe to BANZAI!
Fill out a Japanese Rifle Datasheet.
I didn't pay to much for that old Arisaka, I just bought it a little bit too soon!

[arisakadogs]

Trey, I think the modified T-91 grenades may have been produced to provide a 'hand grenade only' device - maybe before the adoption of the T-97 grenade. I don't know where the faulty propellant theory came from. I just checked mine & it looks like the bottom cutout was just not threaded rather than being milled out. Also, as yours shows, the bottom was painted white to ID these.
I just picked up my third T-10 grenade. This one has a fuse dated Showa 4.11 which predates the T-91 grenade. Note the short fuse cap on this.


The T-10 and T-91 grenades could be used in both the T-10 and T-89 Knee Mortar.
_________________
"A woman, a dog & and a walnut tree. The more ya beat em, the better they be" (From "The Red Bagde of Courage")

[type-14]

Trey, I'm with ADogs as I've never heard of them doing it due to propellant problems. I have been told that it was due to a shortage of the Type-97 grenade and also that they needed to lower the fuze setting from the standard 7 seconds to the same fuze settings of the standard issue Model 97.
Mine is much like ADogs in that is looks like it was never threaded. It also has a small paper glued to the bottom that reads "5 seconds." So with the shorter fuze setting they couldn't use it in the dischager the small weld spots where added. Over time someone placed glass in the well to preserve the paper. Glass has chipped and a small piece is missing but it still very readable. The fuze on this one is dated Showa 13 and on the stem that goes into the grenade it also has a fuze time of 5 seconds. This is all supported in TM-E 30-480 Technical Manual, Handbook on Japanese Military Forces (15 Sept. 1944. Describes the Model 97 as being thrown by hand or used with the models 10 or 89 grenade discharges and that it has a fuze setting of 7-8 seconds. It then describes the Model 97 as being like the Model 91 but without the base propellant and that the fuze setting was 4-5 seconds.
If I get a chance I get a photo of it posted in the next day or two.
Hope this helps.

Attached are photos of my converted Model/Type 97

[gwsiii]

appreciate the correction, I think I have it right now. Trey
_________________
Subscribe to BANZAI!
Fill out a Japanese Rifle Datasheet.
I didn't pay to much for that old Arisaka, I just bought it a little bit too soon!

[gwsiii]

That 97 is just plain neat. appreciate it. Trey
_________________
Subscribe to BANZAI!
Fill out a Japanese Rifle Datasheet.
I didn't pay to much for that old Arisaka, I just bought it a little bit too soon!

[BC312]

The small paper disc on the bottom of the T91 converted grenade is meant to read '5 seconds' but it looks like it reads more than just this. What else is written. I was thinking of making a copy for my T91 converted. Anyone got a clearer picture of the markings.

[type-14]

BC312, I'm leaving in the am for a week of travel with work. When I get back I'll try and see if I can get a clearer photo, but I can tell you it is going to be hard to read, but I'll give it a shot.

[BC312]

Thanks Type 14.