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Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Historic Resources

As they were discovered, grenades from the Betsy, a British ship sunk in the York River in 1781, were placed on linen on a cart and cushioned with clay-filled stockings.

The first grenade core was accidentally discovered on Nov. 28, 2018, by Virginia Department of Historic Resources staff examining relics recovered from the Betsy, a British ship scuttled during the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. The grenade's iron jacket had dissolved, but its core of black powder remained potent. Within a month or so, more than two dozen were found.

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GGG ping

[Delta 21]

Pipe bombs....errr, I mean hand grenades and molotov cocktails. 2 of my favorite weapons.

[Fido969]

I don't think old gunpowder is unstable. People who blow themselves up with old ordinance usually have some flame, heat or sparks involved, a grinder, torch, welder, etc. Someone could correct me if I'm wrong.

[centurion316]

Black powder can be dangerous for a very long time. I have a friend who is a true expert in military artillery and explosives. He is often called in by bomb disposal teams when old stuff turns up. The bomb disposal guys are largely ignorant of historic explosives and how to render it safe. They usually take it to a field and destroy it with a modern explosive charge. Sometimes that is the right thing to do, sometimes it can be preserved and made safe.

Muzzle loading muskets, rifles, and muzzle loading cannons are frequently found to be loaded with shot and powder. Some of them have been on display for years. All of this ought to be handled by real experts who know and understand antique weapons and explosives.

[Daffynition]