Federal Ketchum Hand Grenade Plunger - Very Rare

SOLD

This Federal Ketchum hand grenade plunger is in very good condition. The device consists of an iron disc with integral stem, and a soft metal tube. The grenade was designed such that the slightly convex disc at the end of the plunger would strike its target first, thereby forcing the plunger's other end to strike a percussion cap situated inside the grenade. The firing of the percussion cap would ignite the black powder and subsequently explode the device. Its approximate measurements are:

Overall length: 2-5/16 inches 
Iron disc diameter: 2 inches
Iron disc stem length: 1-3/8 inches 
Iron disc stem diameter: 5/16 inches 
Soft metal cylinder length: 1-15/16 inch 
Soft metal cylinder exterior diameter (very slightly tapered): 9/16 inch 
Soft metal cylinder interior diameter: 3/8 inch 

Examples of complete Ketchum hand grenades with plungers are pictured in:

  • "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War", by Thomas S. Dickey & Peter C. George, page 498, Figure VIII - 5.
  • "The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics" by Stephen W. Sylvia & Michael J. O'Donnell, on page 227.

Scans of the above noted reference book pages, along with other images and a diagram are included in the additional images.

Should you have a Ketchum hand grenade in your collection in need of a plunger, then this is an excellent opportunity to either complete or add to your grenade.  It will also be an excellent addition to any Civil War artillery or general relic collection.

Product Code:
PC8566

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