"17th–18th Century Iron grenado Culture / Period: Post-Medieval Date / Period: 17th – 18th century Material: Iron Dimensions: 90 mm Condition: Good condition, with surface corrosion and patina consistent with age; clearly visible filling aperture No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid. Provenance information: Object Registration ID: 94 The current owner purchased the 17th to 18th century iron grenado from a private collector, N.N., in Bennekom. The previous owner, a private collector, N.N. from Bennekom (the Netherlands), stated that the object had been in his collection since an unknown date. According to the previous owner, the object had previously been in a private collection in the Netherlands since the 1980s. No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available from the previous owner. Background Information: This iron grenado is a representative example of early modern explosive weaponry dating to the 17th–18th century. It consists of a hollow cast-iron sphere with a circular aperture, through which it would originally have been filled with gunpowder. The opening would have been sealed with a wooden plug fitted with a fuse, which, once ignited, allowed the grenade to be thrown before detonation. Such grenades were used in both land-based warfare and naval engagements. They were typically employed by specialised soldiers known as grenadiers, whose role was to throw these explosive devices during assaults on fortifications or in close combat situations. At sea, similar objects were used by sailors during boarding actions, where their explosive effect could be particularly effective in confined spaces. The development of hand grenades reflects the increasing sophistication of gunpowder-based weaponry during the early modern period. Their manufacture required skilled iron casting techniques, ensuring that the sphere was strong enough for handling yet capable of fragmenting upon explosion. These objects were produced in organised foundries and formed part of the standard equipment supplied to military units. During the 17th and 18th centuries, warfare in Europe underwent significant transformation, with greater emphasis on artillery, fortifications, and specialised infantry units. The grenadier became an established military role during this period, highlighting the tactical importance of such weapons in siege warfare and close-quarter engagements. The visible aperture and preserved spherical form make this a clear and instructive example of its type. The surface corrosion is consistent with age and long-term preservation, contributing to its historical authenticity. This object provides a direct and tangible connection to the military practices of the post-medieval period, illustrating the technological developments that shaped warfare. It forms a physical link to the soldiers and seamen who handled such objects in active combat situations.