The early fuses were not completely silent and made a loud “bang” and produced sparks when activated. ![]() In the M5, moisture could get in under the foil fuse cap, causing the weapon to fail to detonate. The M10 and M11 series igniting fuses were used on low explosive-filled ones. The early M5, and the later M6 and M204 series detonating fuses, were used on high explosive-filled grenades. The Mk 2 used the M5, M6, M10, M11, or M204 series fuses. It was also commonly referred to as a “frag” grenade, in contrast to other types of grenades such as the Mk 3 concussion grenade also developed during World War I. The grooves and knobs gave it the appearance of a pineapple, and are the origin of the nickname. This was intended to enhance fragmentation (in practice, it was found that the grooves did not enhance fragmentation as much as desired) and provide a better grip when handling and throwing the grenade. The Mk 2, like the Mk 1, was manufactured of cast iron with a grooved surface divided into 40 knobs in 5 rows of 8 columns. ![]() ![]() Although 44 million were ordered and more than 21 million were completed (it was possible to convert Mk 1 grenade bodies to the Mk 2 configuration) before the war ended, few reached American troops overseas. The Mk 2 grenade did not widely replace the failed Mk 1 grenade used by the U.S.
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