Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce original U.S. Civil War 3-pound Ketchum hand grenade, preserved in genuine ground-dug relic condition. Patented on August 20, 1861, by William F. Ketchum of Buffalo, New York, this distinctive Union Army grenade was developed for use against enemy fortifications and defensive positions, particularly during siege operations. Ketchum grenades were produced in several weight classifications, including 1-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound variants, with this example representing the desirable 3-pound pattern. The grenade measures approximately 4 ½ inches long and 2 ½ inches in diameter at its widest point, with a surviving weight of approximately 2.4 pounds. Although the body exhibits substantial material loss and heavy oxidation from its time in the ground, the original lead insert remains present. This is a particularly interesting surviving example of one of the more unusual American infantry weapons developed during the Civil War.

The Ketchum grenade was a hand thrown weapon with limited range used primarily during sieges; the fins stabilized the grenade’s flight and assured it landed nose first, which was required for detonation; this requirement also made them largely inefficient. They were manufactured in one, three, and five pound sizes. This is an extremely rare 3-pound variant. Union forces who used the Ketchum grenade in great numbers in their attacks at Port Hudson found its limitations. Many failed to explode when thrown into the Confederate defenses, and were subsequently thrown back into Union positions. The Confederates also devised a method to render the Ketchum useless by rigging blankets to catch the grenades.

This example was ground dug, and is in relic condition with heavy material loss from oxidation and heavy pitting across the exterior. The lead insert is still present but you cannot look through one hole through to the other side. The grenade measures 4 ½” long and is roughly 2 ½” in diameter at the widest point. The grenade weighs roughly 2.4 pounds, which would make it one of the 3-pound variants.

The 3-pound Ketchum grenade represents a distinctive chapter in the development of American military ordnance during the Civil War, particularly the renewed experimentation with hand grenades during prolonged siege operations. Its patented impact mechanism and fin-stabilized design demonstrate the attempts made by nineteenth-century inventors to address the difficulties of delivering explosive weapons into fortified positions. This example retains its recognizable metal body and original lead insert despite extensive ground-related deterioration and material loss. As a surviving relic of an uncommon Union Army grenade pattern, it is particularly relevant to collections focused on Civil War infantry weapons, siege warfare, and early American explosive ordnance.

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).