Texas Man Discovers Live WWII Grenades at Estate Sale, Bomb Squad Responds

A Texas man found live World War II-era grenades inside a box he purchased at an estate sale, leading to a response from the bomb squad. The Austin Police Department received the call on Monday after the man discovered the handheld explosives while sorting through his purchases. The department reported that patrol officers secured the scene and established a perimeter for safety while waiting for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to arrive. The bomb squad confirmed that the grenades were live and active. A police photo showed at least three US Mk 2 fragmentation grenades, commonly referred to as 'pineapples' due to their shape and grooved cast-iron bodies. The Mk 2 was the standard-issue fragmentation grenade for the US military from World War II through the Korean War and into the Vietnam War. The box also contained shipping tubes and containers, including one marked for an M21 practice grenade. The bomb squad safely removed the grenades, with a police spokesperson stating that six grenades were recovered, all appearing to be in good condition for their age. The spokesperson explained that bomb squad personnel conducted an X-ray examination of the devices, which indicated they were live. The department noted that no crime was committed in this instance but reminded the public to contact authorities if they encounter old military ordnance. They advised against touching or moving such items. Although the man was not charged, possessing explosive devices like grenades is illegal in Texas, classified as a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code Section 46.05, which can result in 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. This incident is not isolated; in 2025, employees at a Maine Goodwill store found military-grade grenades and mortars in a donation box, prompting a similar response from the bomb squad.