A surprising discovery was made in Texas when a man found live World War II-era grenades in a box he purchased at an estate sale, leading to a call to the bomb squad.
The Austin Police Department responded to what they described as an “unusual call” on Monday after the individual noticed the dangerous items while going through his recent acquisition.
According to a post from the department, patrol officers secured the area, creating a perimeter to keep the surrounding neighborhood safe as they awaited the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
The bomb squad confirmed that the grenades were “live and active.”
Images shared by the police depicted at least three US Mk 2 fragmentation grenades, nicknamed “pineapples” due to their unique shape and textured cast-iron bodies.
The Mk 2 was standard issue for the US military from World War II through the Korean and into the Vietnam War.
The box also contained various shipping tubes and containers, including one labeled for an M21 practice grenade.
Authorities reported that the bomb squad safely removed the explosives.
A spokesperson for the Austin Police Department mentioned that a total of six grenades were recovered, all appearing to date back to World War II and in relatively good condition.
They explained that bomb squad personnel assessed the grenades, conducting X-ray examinations to determine their status. According to their analysis, the grenades were indeed live, leading to specific safety procedures being conducted.
The department stated that the bomb squad took necessary actions to ensure there were no potential risks and noted that no further investigation was required.
“A big thank you to our APD Bomb Squad,” they expressed on Instagram. “Their training, expertise, and calm demeanor in critical situations are incredibly valuable.”
They emphasized that dealing with explosives—especially those as old as 80 years—poses significant danger and requires meticulous handling.
While the man who discovered the grenades faced no legal repercussions, it is important to note that ownership of hand grenades or similar explosive devices is prohibited in Texas.
Possessing such an explosive weapon can lead to serious charges, classified as a third-degree felony, with penalties ranging from 2 to 10 years in prison and potential fines up to $10,000.
This isn’t the first case of individuals finding grenades while shopping secondhand. Back in 2025, staff at a Maine Goodwill found military-grade grenades and mortars in a donation box, which led to an evacuation while the bomb squad assessed the situation and determined the items were inactive.
