June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2019
One of the most sought after of the US early grenades is this excellent Shinkle. Per a respected grenade authority: “Shinkle Hand Grenade, Concussion Type, Experimental, dated Nov. 30, 1918." The grenade was the invention of MAJ Edward Marsh Shinkle who at the time was stationed at Frankford Arsenal in Pennsylvania. His idea of an impact fuzed hand grenade was undertaken and prototypes made and tested. About the time they were close to program completion word was received that the commanders of the AEF did not want an impact grenade so the program was halted and efforts shifted to the MK I grenade. Later in 1918 word was received that the AEF did want an impact grenade and production of the Shinkle was started again. The war ended before major production could be achieved though and the grenade faded into history. In August of 1918, there were only 800 in the inventory.” This grenade is in excellent condition and is complete with spoon and safety pin. The only “damage” is a miniscule proof of inert hole located through the center of the screwdriver slot of the filling plug. A highly desirable grenade in great condition.