Live WWII Grenades Found at Texas Estate Sale Safely Removed by Bomb Squad

A Central Texas resident found six live World War II-era grenades while unpacking items purchased at an estate sale. The Austin Police Department responded to the discovery on Monday afternoon at a residence near the 5800 block of Gentle Breeze Terrace.

A bomb squad team secured the scene and examined the handheld explosives, which were confirmed to be live and approximately 80 years old. The grenades were reported to be in fairly good condition.

"Huge thanks to our patrol officers, who quickly secured the scene, set up a perimeter, and kept neighbors safe while they waited for EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)," the department stated in a social media post. Authorities confirmed that the devices were assessed via X-ray and treated with appropriate precautions due to their age and unknown stability.

The box also contained shipping tubes and containers, including one marked for an M21 practice grenade. Among the discovered items were at least three loose American Mk 2 fragmentation grenades, also known as "Pineapples" due to their distinctive shape and serrated exterior. The Mk 2 was the standard-issue hand grenade for the U.S. during World War II and saw limited use in subsequent conflicts.

While the unlawful possession of explosive devices classified as prohibited weapons is a felony in Texas, the resident who purchased the box was not charged with any crime. Possession of a grenade, a prohibited weapon, is a third-degree felony in Texas, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 under Texas Penal Code Section 46.05.

The explosives were safely seized and removed by the bomb squad, which determined they did not pose an immediate threat under the circumstances. The case was closed with no further investigation planned.