April 5, 2024
Rare Civil War Ketchum Hand Grenade Port Hudson
Pricing & History
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This is a rare item seldom seen for sale. It is a three pound Civil War Ketchum Hand Grenade. It was patented on August 2, 1861 by William F. Ketchum of Buffalo New York . These were extremely rare during the Civil War, being used in only a couple of battles during the conflict. Port Hudson was the primary battle w Grenades were thrown into the Confederate trench line. The Grenade is totally safe, absolutely no powder remains. It worked similar to a large yard dart with a stick tail and cardboard fins to guide it. Hitting on the plunger on the nose to make it explode. Finding one with a plunger is extremely rare. The plunger was inserted just prior to throwing the grenade and is removable. I recreated the fin assembly using the original dimensions. A Confederate report at Port Hudson stated the Yankees came this time prepared with hand grenades to throw into our works. The Arkansas troops did not know what to make of them at first but soon realized the way they functioned by hitting on the plungers. The Confederates then spread blankets behind the trench lines thus making the grenades fall harmlessly on the blankets. The rebs then threw the grenades back toward the Union troops w many exploded. A period map will be provided showing w it was excavated. The Siege of Port Hudson in 1863 was the longest siege in US Military History.
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