Type 97 Japanese Hand Grenade

[MAP]

Welcome to the Forum Lauren,

The pin on the opposite side of the string still appears to be curved outward and not straightened (at least what I can see in the picture), indicating to me that it was never removed. As such I would assume it has never been tampered with thus it was probably live. I have an inert one of these, the flat top of the grenade below the fuse (with what looks like sun rays) screws off and thus the powder is removed. After that it is safe to pull the the pin and the primer cap (not sure if the is the correct term) is then removed as well making it totally inert.

Regards,

Michael

[Lauren DiScipio]

Thanks Michael. I guess I wasn't meant to keep it; glad I got the picture though!

[MAP]

I could be wrong in my amalysis but better safe than sorry. You really can't tell just from a picture

Plus deactivated one's are available.

Regards

Michael

[Lauren DiScipio]

I've seen reproductions for sale on ebay and other websites, but nothing beats having the same one y0ou found in your possession!! I wish I had been outside while the bomb squad "analyzed" it. My gut tells me that maybe it was fine, and if not, it was close to being fine and someone kept it for themselves!

[MAP]

Yes, agree. It would be great it you still had it in a demilitarized state. The story for me is what gives it meaning. But I think others would agree, you would not want to be near it if it was live. Not worth your life

Regards,

Michael