Wirebrushed Rifle Grenade

[vemanswers]

Hello. This is my first post.

I recently acquired a British Hales Number 3 Mark 1 Rifle Grenade from a source in France. I was so excited to get it that I suppose I didn't do enough thorough studying of the photos with it as they were not taken in optimal lighting conditions. As it turns out, either the seller of the No3Mk1 cleaned the dickens out of it with a wire brush, or whomever uncovered the grenade from its resting place did.

Regardless, my question for all of you that are more steeped in historical ordnance, is regarding the value of a relic and what this sort of treatment/cleaning does to it. In general terms, this particular grenade was not that great of a specimen even with the intense wire brushing. It is missing the cuff that goes around the turbine, and I believe that there is a top piece that I have seen in books which is missing from the round brass top plate. Also, the main shaft has a bend in it. So, it isn't as if this grenade was perfect before the wirebrushing anyway.

I'm just curious as to just how much the value has been diminished from a collector standpoint because of strictly the wirebrushing.

Thank you for any input.

 

[Seawitch]

Morning Vemanswers.

I don't think it is possible to evaluate the value or possible reduction in value of your item without first seeing the other main components i.e. the main Fragmentation sleeve and any other parts of the item + how much you spent initially. You are asking us to provide views based on half the information. Usually from experience if you are buying relic or semi relic items they can still be readily acquired at very reasonable prices and have just nominal value anyway. It is only the perfect specimens which have top value. For example, it is frequently possible to buy a relic Hales No.3 for under (GBP 50), however mint examples can fetch in excess of (GBP 350). It is also fair to say that by buying relic items, they are probably not going to increase in value that much over time as opposed to mint examples which certainly will appreciate in value. It is all relative. Hope this helps.

Seawitch

 

[vemanswers]

Seawitch,

Thank you so much for your response. Everything you have said makes much sense. Mine is definitely a relic, on all accounts. It is very pitted and eaten away (the fragmentation body). Where does one go about finding the better specimens? At gun shows? I live in the U.S. and we do have fun shows semi-frequently here. I do like the untouched relics a bit as they seem to tell a story, but then again, from studying, we all know what those stories are generally speaking, so I suppose a better specimen really would be preferable.

Thank you again for your quick response.

vemanswers