Replica Cloth Covered Ceramic Grenadoe

Replica of a Cloth Covered Ceramic Grenadoe such as those used in the 17th-18th century. Some of the Grenadoes and Firepots recovered from shipwrecks have shown evidence of being covered in a course cloth so this one is covered in a hemp like hessian weave. These Grenadoes were filled with explosive compounds and also could contain shrapnel in the form of pistol balls or broken glass.<br /><br />Grenades such as these were also used as 'Stink-Pots' which, Smith explains, 'will burn and fume out a most stinking poyson smoke', and, as Sellers explains, 'being thrown between Decks will be a great annoyance to the Enemy'. They were also used to create confusion immediately prior to boarding, as explained in Falconer's Marine Dictionary of 1771:<br /><br />The fuses of the stink-pot being lighted, they are immediately thrown upon the deck of the enemy, where they burst and catch fire, producing an intolerable stench and smoke, and filling the deck with tumult and distraction. Admidst the confusion occasioned by this infernal apparatus the (boarding) detachment rush aboard sword in hand, under cover of the smoke, on their antagonist …<br /><br />Roughly 3.5" Diameter<br /><br />$30