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| ITALIAN AND FRENCH EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE |
| Chapter 5 |
| ITALIAN HAND AND MORTAR GRENADES |
| Breda Hand Grenades Mod 35, Mod 40, and Mod 42 |
| Data |
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Over-all length |
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Mod 35 |
3.8 in. |
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Mod 40 |
9.5 in. |
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Mod 42 |
12 in. |
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Maximum diameter |
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Mod 35 and Mod 40 |
2.1 in. |
|
Mod 42 |
3.62 in. |
|
Type of filling |
TNT |
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Weight of filling |
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Mod 35 and Mod 40 |
2.1 ounces |
|
Mod 42 |
Unknown |
|
Color |
Body red, Safety cap black |
|
Total weight |
|
|
Mod 35 |
7 ounces |
|
Mod 40 |
Unknown |
|
Mod 42 |
2.75 lb. |
| Description |
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Types Mod 40 and Mod 42 incorporate the M35 Italian in their construction. The Mod 40 is a Mod 35 with a hollow wooden handle attached, and the Mod 42 is a Mod 40 with a ligth metal globe 3 5/8 in., diameter screwed onto the bottom to give an additional charge for anti-tank use. The other types are for anti-personnel use. |
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The Mod 35 grenade is longer and thinner than the S.R.C. M. 35 grenade and has hemis-pherical ends. It consists of a thin aluminum case in two parts. The safety strip is in the form of an elongated U and passes through the grenade on either side of the channel-shaped safety device. The ends of the strip pass into slots in the top of a loose metal piece which is retained by a pin in the large safety cap (of ligth aluminum). The striker pin attached to the heavy head. |
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Around the detonator tube is a perforated metal tube attached to the striker head. The spring maintains the striker away from the detonator until impact. |
| Operation |
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On withdrawal of the safety strip, the safety cap is freed. At one end it is attached to a brass strip which is wound twice around the head of the grenade, and attached at the other end to the safety device. During flight, the safety cap pulls this out, arming the grenade so that it fires on impact. |
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Figure 226 |
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