Live WWII Grenades Found in Texas Estate Sale Box, Safely Removed by Police

A man in Texas discovered live World War II-era grenades while sorting through items from an estate sale, prompting a response from the Austin Police Department's bomb squad.

The incident occurred when the man was examining boxes he had purchased and found one containing the live explosives.

Austin police officers secured the scene and established a perimeter while awaiting the arrival of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. The bomb squad confirmed that the grenades were live and active.

Photographs released by the police show at least three US Mk 2 fragmentation grenades, recognizable by their pineapple-like shape and grooved cast-iron bodies. The Mk 2 was a standard fragmentation grenade used by the U.S. military from World War II through the Vietnam War.

The box also contained shipping tubes and containers, with one marked for an M21 practice grenade. In total, the bomb squad recovered six grenades, all appearing to date back to World War II and were reported to be in good condition for their age.

After assessing the devices, including an X-ray examination, the bomb squad conducted procedures to render them safe and eliminate any potential hazards. Police stated that there is no ongoing investigation into the matter.

The Austin Police Department commended their bomb squad for their expertise and professionalism in handling the dangerous situation, noting the risks involved with 80-year-old explosives of unknown stability.

While no crime was committed by the individual who found the grenades, Texas law classifies the unlawful possession of hand grenades and other explosive devices as a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Authorities advise the public to contact 911 immediately if they encounter old military ordnance and to avoid touching or moving such items, emphasizing that experts should handle them.