Handling any type of old ordnance is highly dangerous. Even if it is expended, you cannot be sure that all of the chemicals reacted fully at the time. Many of the chemicals in old ammunition become unstable over time and may burn, explode, emit toxic fumes, or otherwise make your life very, very bad without warning. Mechanical fuses that failed to trigger are incredibly dangerous and mechanical fuses that appear to be physically frozen in place should never be trusted. Even safeties designed to fail safe tend to do whatever the hell they want after 80 years.
I suggest checking out the Inert Ordnance Collectors forum. Some of the members are former explosive ordnance disposal personnel. Follow professional advice, not mine: I just do what they tell me to do.
