Hand grenade Booklet #8
The Ketchum Grenade, also known as the Ketchum Hand Grenade, was a type of grenade used during the American Civil War by the Union Army. Patented by William F. Ketchum on August 20, 1861, this grenade was designed to be thrown like a dart, with a plunger that would detonate the explosive upon impact.
In terms of design and mechanism, the Ketchum Grenade had an aerodynamic shape, resembling a dart, which allowed for a more accurate throw. It consisted of a cylindrical body filled with explosives and a pointed nose with a percussion cap. The detonation mechanism featured a plunger at the nose that, upon hitting a solid object, would compress and strike the percussion cap, detonating the explosive charge. The fins at the tail end of the grenade helped stabilize it in flight, ensuring it would hit nose-first to trigger the detonation.
The grenade was produced in different sizes, typically 1-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound versions, with the weight affecting the range and explosive power. It was primarily used by Union forces during sieges and trench warfare, where it could be thrown into enemy fortifications or trenches. The specific throwing technique was crucial for ensuring the grenade would land nose-first and detonate.
Despite its innovative design, the Ketchum Grenade faced several challenges. It was often criticized for its unreliability in detonation, as it needed to hit the target at the right angle. Confederate forces quickly devised countermeasures, such as placing blankets or other soft materials over their fortifications to absorb the impact and prevent detonation.
Historically, the Ketchum Grenade represents an early attempt at developing more advanced infantry explosives and had a notable impact during the Civil War, despite its mixed success in the field. It paved the way for future innovations in grenade design and technology. The Ketchum Grenade is a significant piece of military history, illustrating the evolving nature of warfare and the continuous quest for more effective weapons. Today, original Ketchum Grenades are valued collectibles and can be found in various military museums, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Civil War-era inventors and soldiers.
Credit: Frontier Army Museum
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