1958 Mills No 36M Mk 1

[wichitaslumlord]

This is a Mills No 36M Mk 1 with the lever and body manufactured in Canada by A. Kenrick & Sons. I am assuming the 58 on the base plug is from 1958?

Were the red X's replaced by the red band and when did this happen? Does anyone know the makers mark on the base plug? The condition of this one was unbeatable!

Thanks in advance for any information! Pat

 

[ron3350]

SL monogram could be Sparlets Ltd, London. (reference D.Lynn Vol 2 Grenade book.)
This could be a typo and mean Sparklets Ltd.?

 

[batonroundcollector]

Nice! Always wanted a post-war Mills...

Here is another of these (unmarked): https://wdmilitaria.co.uk/shop.php?code=19583

Yes red X's replaced by the red band - seems somewhere between 1951 and 1958 (date of above gren) as photo of the Mills in 1951 edition of 'Infantry Training' manual still shows the former markings.

 

[Snufkin]

Were the red X's replaced by the red band and when did this happen? Does anyone know the makers mark on the base plug?

The green band and ring of red crosses were deleted in 1952 in favour of a single red band (for all climates) around the top row of segments. Then in 1969 the red ring was replaced by a golden yellow ring, around the second row of segments.

The maker with monogram SL is indeed Sparklets Ltd, the successor to Aerators Ltd - the change of name occurred during WWI. Aerators (later Sparklets) also developed the "Sparklet" anti-Zeppelin incendiary bullet during that war.

 

[wichitaslumlord]

Thanks to all for the GREAT information!

Pat

 

[millsbomber]

These Mills were also sold and exported to Iraq, many of the examples we find today are bring backs from second gulf war.

No36 IBR 1958.JPG (451×676) (millsgrenades.co.uk)

1958 tube 2.JPG (1031×376) (millsgrenades.co.uk)