U.S. Civil War Ketchum 1Lb Grenade

[wichitaslumlord]

This U.S. civil war 1 LB Ketchum grenade is currently listed on GunBroker for sale ( Listing # 551883686). The seller claims it is 100% original. The buy it now price is $3,999.00.
That is a lot of money, but considering the incredible rarity of this item, it is probably not out of line. Enjoy the pictures of this wonderful piece!

P.S. He also has a very nice 3 Lb with a reproduction tail for $1,950.00 and a 5 Lb body and plunger only for $1,900.00.

 

[wichitaslumlord]

Here is the 3 Lb version with the reproduction tail boom and fins for $1,950.00. It is a very nice non-dug body and plunger.

 

[Gspragge]

The holy Grail of American grenade collecting I suspect -

 

[CampX]

I had a repro of one of these, very well done and in a repro shipping box.
I have seen a few of the bodies for sale at a very well respected Military shop in Gettysburg, they also had a couple of original "tails" when I was last there in Dec last year.
The problem with these is that for the most part, they are not hard to fake, if a company had the equipment, as the body is cast and not always well cast!

Still a very nice piece!!

Dean O
Canada

 

[wichitaslumlord]

I had a repro of one of these, very well done and in a repro shipping box.
I have seen a few of the bodies for sale at a very well respected Military shop in Gettysburg, they also had a couple of original "tails" when I was last there in Dec last year.
The problem with these is that for the most part, they are not hard to fake, if a company had the equipment, as the body is cast and not always well cast!

Still a very nice piece!!

Dean O
Canada

You are correct, they would be fairly easy to fake for someone with metal and wood working skills. A possible $3,000.00 - $4,000.00 pay day would provide plenty of incentive.........

The British #12 grenade is a perfect example. They are very hard to find so a well made forgery can pass inspection as most collectors have never seen a real one to compare it to.

Pat

 

[siegfreid]

I posted a thread on the Ketchum recently . They would be possible to fake & there are probably a few out there BUT if you've ever seen a genuine one , no contest . It would be impossible to reproduce the exact forge welding process from the 1860's used to join the two halves . Also , the insert for the plunger is made of lead alloy & that would be incredibly difficult to reproduce convincingly . As Pat has indicated , if in doubt check with someone who has a real one !