MK11 grenade maroon color or dark red WW2

[Raidercollector]

Here I have had this grenade a long long time. From what I can see it was originally painted yellow can see in photos, Than it was painted OD green, Than the 3rd Time it was painted maroon red, Or dark red. Which I think it would be a incendiary grenade from what research says dark red is. This is not a REX. No marking's of that at all. Has a mark U. Which that means I do not know. The bottom is solid OD green in color can see some yellow under it. . The fuze handle is marked M10A2. Can some of you shed some light on this WW2 1943-45 grenade. You can tell by the groves on the neck that it was made 43-45.

[greasemonkey247]

A red painted grenade would mean it was a practice grenade up until 1927? I'd have to re-check on the date when ordnance colors changed so don't hold me to that year but Red was the color indication for a practice / spotting charge ordnance before they changed it to blue. Just like how Frag grenades were painted Grey before they went yellow for H.E.

[Raidercollector]

True bright red grenades are practice, This one is not that color. I never seen this color. From what I read It was pointing to incendiary being dark red.

[greasemonkey247]

well to my knowledge Incendiary Grenades from WW2 were made in steel canisters just like the WP Smoke grenades were. The only other odd ball would be offensive mkIIIA1 grenade made out of a cardboard tar tube. Most likely your mkII was made in 1941-42 . before the color was switched to OD in 43'.. As for the red paint, I think that may have been done post war. Nice find!

[rldarmstr]

This is an early practice grenade. Has a filler hole in the bottom with a lead screw plug. Also is flat shouldered.

 

The red color has a slight orange tint to it. It's not a straight fire engine red.

 

 

[buzzbomb]

Its a great period peice and original. Apart from that Red paint. One might assume/hope the paint underneath is period.