M43 stielhandgranate relic revival.

[mpw]

I like relics. They are generally affordable, can display well and have that been there done it appeal. What I am not to keen on is a pile of shapeless rust on my shelf which draws much criticism from the better half. Neither do I particularly like relics that have been unsympathetically daubed in gallons of paint in some vain attempt to make them look as new.

So here are a few photos of my attempt to assemble a half decent relic M34 stielhandgranate that displays well using some random but period dug pieces rescued from east Europe and sourced from online auctions.

First we require a base to start from.




Perhaps a little imagination may be required too.

[mpw]

First task was to remove any loose rust and to very carefully straighten the canister base as much as possible.





Also the handle was treated to a good feed of linseed oil and reattached to the base.

[mpw]

As luck would have it a few weeks passed then a relic canister with sleeve turned up followed by a fuse igniter from another source.



I was very pleased as not only did the canister display the same amount of corrosion as the base but also had some paint remaining.

[mpw]

Next step was to affix the canister to base and handle. i was lucky here as a large part of the base is missing so it was a matter of sliding one on to the other rather than bending any of the fragile metal rim.

[mpw]

And so finally from this............



.....to this. Which I hope you will agree is much more displayable.

[sitges1990]

Great job mpw, it's got a great look to it.

Jay

[Danmark]

Wonderful save mate!!

[Glenn66]

Very nice, it came up a treat. I might try the linseed oil on my own grenade stick which came up out of a Russian lake some years ago.

[danhashman]

very nice work of restauration. you gave some pieces that had no mayor grace or sense , its live and context back.
i have also a Stielgandgranate rescued the same way, and 3 Panzerfausts hanging on my wall.. , here i share te pics.

Thanks for your post, by the way..

[remss]

Nice step by step restoration.