Description
The body, unlike the Type 91 or 97, has no longitudinal serrations, but does have five transverse depressions. On one side, fitted top and bottom, are two rings which could be used for carrying or for anchoring. The lead cover is screwed on to the top of the grenade and is grooved to provide a grip for easy removal. The thumb cover release holds the cover on and must be depressed before the cover can be removed. When this is depressed, the cover can be unscrewed in one and one-half turns, thus exposing the firing string which is attached to a friction igniter.
The design of the Type 23 makes it readily adaptable as a boobytrap.
Functioning
The thumb cover release must be depressed, and then the cover must be removed. When the firing string is pulled, it draws a sanded string through a match composition. The ignition of the match composition will ignite the black powder delay train.
Hazardous Components
Filler - Granular TNT, 1.4 oz (39.5 grams)
Physical Data
Diameter - 2 in (51 mm)
Length - 3.75 in (95 mm)
Weight - 1 lb (0.45 kg)
See Also
Source(s)
OP 1667, Japanese Explosive Ordnance, Volume 1 (1946)
OPNAV 30-3M, Handbook of Japanese Explosive Ordnance (1945)
CINCPAC-CINCPOA Bulletin 55-45, Japanese Infantry Weapons (1945)
