This early ball grenade, dating back to the 16th century, was a primitive hand-thrown explosive device used primarily in siege warfare. It featured a hollow, spherical metal shell filled with gunpowder and fitted with a slow-burning fuse. When the fuse was lit, the grenade was thrown by hand, designed to explode shortly after, scattering lethal fragments. Although effective, the device was difficult to control and posed risks to both the user and the enemy. This early grenade marked a significant advancement in military technology, paving the way for the more sophisticated hand grenades used in later centuries.