A Serbian Vasić Grenade but what model designation?

[MilitariaOne]

Greetings all,

I am familiar with the Vasić M12 Hand Grenade of the type as viewed at the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum (HGM) in Vienna (see image below).



I also understand there was an earlier (original?) Model designed by Colonel Vasić circa 1903. However, I have been unable to view any images of this earlier model. My understanding is the Vasić M12 Hand Grenade was virtually the same as the earlier model, but had an improved fuze assembly. There is a Model M12/25, which is round in shape, but as the name indicates it is a later wartime variant.

This all brings me to my question, what model Vasić Grenade variant is pictured below? Yes, I have reached out to the HGM, but as of yet, I have received no response to my query. Lastly, notice how on the below variant that the fuze assembly does not appear as robust/well formed as that of the Vasić M12 Grenade in the initial image and too, the casting flaws on the below variant are quite noticeable when compared to the variant in the initial image. Well, there it is, any assistance with the correct nomenclature/model designation of the below variant would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, for your thoughts and valuable time.






Best,

V/r Lance

P.S. Mods if this thread would be better hosted in the WWI Russian Forum please move it as you see fit.

[MilitariaOne]

Another aspect of interest relating to this grenade, is it was once owned by Frederic Courtland Penfield who was the U.S. Ambassador to Austria-Hungary from 1913 to 1917.


Frederic Courtland Penfield 1855-1922

On his attached personal stationary (that was his symbol/stamp & his contemporary address in NYC) note (below) he indicates in his own hand, the grenade’s (bomb’s) backstory.



From what I have read, up to five and at least three, Vasić type grenades were captured from the rounded-up members of the Archduke’s assailants. Could the shared example be one given to the American Ambassador to demonstrate Serbian involvement of the assassination? Or is it more simply, one of the type used and nothing more?

Best,

V/r Lance

[MAP]

Maybe best in the Ordinance section of the forum? I can move it with a redirect back to this forum so it is visible in both (if you like.)

Wish I could help with the questions you have but alas....I can't.

[MilitariaOne]

Yes Michael, I think your advice to move it to the Ordnance section with a redirect here would be the way to go.

Many thanks!

V/r Lance

[MAP]

Done.

Great piece btw with some fantastic history behind it

[MilitariaOne]

Greetings all,

I've just received a nice reply for my inquiry to the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum (HGM). Their reply is as below:

Dear,

Thank you for contacting the Austrian Military Museum. We are sorry but we do not have any records what happened to the hand grenades confiscated by the Austro Hungarian Police Force after the assassination in Sarajevo. From our view it is very unlikely that one grenade was handed over to the ambassador of the United States but possible. Your object is a type M1903 with a simplyfied detonator, it is the same type as used in the assassinnation. We hope that will help your research and we are happy to provide more help when needed.

Best regards from Vienna

15.10.2024

So, this shared example is the M1903 Vasić Grenade. Very cool and thank you HGM!

Best,

V/r Lance