December 11, 20223 yr Author #101 Outstanding! I have not seen the French made up close before and the drawing is excellent, thanks for posting!
February 2, 20233 yr #102 I have been following this very interesting thread. I thought I would add the German version grenade cup launcher for the Gew98 for comparison as it looks very similar to the French version. If the mods don't feel this should be posted here please delete. Ken
May 7, 20233 yr #104 I've been working on my US Military Rifle Grenade display for an upcoming show and thought I'd share a picture of the WWI section. Sorry for the poor quality but the lighting in this part of my basement is not great. Berthier with a French VB Discharger M1917 with a Mark IV Discharger M1903 with a Mark III Discharger
May 7, 20233 yr #105 1 minute ago, Latewatch said: I've been working on my US Military Rifle Grenade display for an upcoming show and thought I'd share a picture of the WWI section. Sorry for the poor quality but the lighting in this part of my basement is not great. Berthier with a French VB Discharger M1917 with a Mark IV Discharger M1903 with a Mark III Discharger Great display!
June 16, 20233 yr #107 More proof of VB usage on Guadalcanal at 2:13 in the video. Guadalcanal Relics
July 20, 20233 yr #108 An interesting variation of the Model of 1917 rifle VB launcher was offered by IMA and was quickly sold. The way it mounted on the barrel seemed standard, but there was a spring style clasp that clipped over the top. How uncommon was this? Regards, Michael
October 9, 20232 yr #109 From my collection: here is an original box for 30-06 VB-grenade launching cartridges
October 9, 20232 yr #110 4 hours ago, Flying Dutchman said: From my collection: here is an original box for 30-06 VB-grenade launching cartridges Fantastic. What's most interesting to me is the date of manufacturer -1922. Year's after the war and during a period of scaling back on military expenditures.
October 9, 20232 yr #111 Good Day, One of the more fascinating military oriented museums I've been to is the Virginia War Museum in Newport News. It's not necessarily off the beaten path, but not well advertised. I list it in my top 5 museums in the country. You'll easily spent 3-4 hours if you're moving quickly. On a recent visit, I noticed a display which highlighted the V-B grenade. A closeup picture revealed the remnants of red paint around the top. Please add this museum to your "must see" stops if you're around Norflok. Regards, Michael
October 9, 20232 yr #112 Still on the subject of V-B Grenades and launchers on display, the National Museum of the United States Army near Fort Belvoir has two distinct displays of the V-B. First, alongside other iconic WW1 US utilized firearms, and then as part of the WW1 diorama representing a charge across no-mans land.
August 18, 20241 yr #114 Good Day All, I was able to aquire a VB messager round in decent condition. I was going to clean the inside when I saw what looks like waxy grease on the inside of the body and cap. Pausing, I wondered if the was a protective coat. Any thoughts from the community? Additionally, the bottom is marked with raised lettering. One can make out "......RTB B MESSAGE" any suggestions as to the first word? Best Regards, Michael
March 11, 20251 yr #115 Here is a grenade bucket. Its the best set of photos ive found of it. I assume this was how they carried grenades besides small amounts in pockets.
March 11, 20251 yr #116 Quote ......RTB B MESSAGE Bonjour. Simply ; PORTE MESSAGE. The coating inside is asbestos. On the other hand, I don't know this English musette. Sol.
March 18, 20251 yr Author #117 Thanks for posting Hogan, I have read about these, but have not come across one.
March 19, 20251 yr #118 On 3/17/2025 at 8:17 PM, GLCC74 said: Thanks for posting Hogan, I have read about these, but have not come across one. Id love to have one made, unsure of the dimensions.
March 20, 20251 yr Author #119 US had plans to make one however they were not produced. Below are prints for one, which looks like it was based on the UK version.
March 31, 20251 yr #120 On 3/11/2025 at 4:23 PM, solcarlus said: Bonjour. Simply ; PORTE MESSAGE. The coating inside is asbestos. Sol. Good Day Sol, Thank you for the information on the waterproof coating on the inside of the messager VB grenade. I would not have thought asbestos would have been a waterproofing medium. Unfortunately, now I have to consider cleaning the inside and substituting a modern equivalent for the sake of future collectors.
March 31, 20251 yr #121 The asbestos liner isn't for waterproofing but is an insulator to keep the message inside from burning up as the smoke mixture ignites and leaves a smoke trail in flight. That helped the recipient find the message grenade and retrieve the message. I wouldn't worry too much about the asbestos being a safety hazard. It's not arsenic or something particularly deadly. Just remove the cap once in a while to peek inside and don't sniff it. My WWII asbestos barrel handling gloves haven't gotten me yet either.
April 4, 20251 yr #124 4 hours ago, Usa1918 said: The US used French VB grenades during the war Keith They also produced their own and used them with the 1903 and 1917 rifles.
April 5, 20251 yr #125 Bonjour. I don't know if the VB MARKI were delivered to the A.E.F. troops. Apparently, no US message carrier. Sol. " HANDBOOK of ORDNANCE DATA Nov 15 1918"
Create an account or sign in to comment