June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2019
Lot consists of: (A) World War I French F1, with the Mle 1916 Billiant fuze. It has light to moderate surface corrosion and an FD foundry mark. No paint or markings are visible. (B) Of the two countries using the World War I Besozzi grenade, the French example is more commonly found, but seldom seen in the US in this condition. While very worn, the fuze is still intact and with the lead cap on the end. The grenade is in excellent corrosion with green paint and no external corrosion. (C) From the series of French grenades that inspired classic cartoon bombs through the ages, this World War I French Mle 1914 Bracelet Grenade was one of the most advanced of the series, moving from time fuse to a pull friction fuze that attached to the thrower’s wrist. This is a sound example, with no corrosion visible but light pitting that may be from the manufacturing process. The metal portion of fuze is intact and has the majority of the wooden top portion.