Fake Mills gren bodies

[Grenademan2005]

Yes, I already know about the custom M17 smooth ones. They are more valuable than the second model. Bu8t had no idea about the fake second model.

[dano1917]

Yes, I already know about the custom M17 smooth ones. They are more valuable than the second model. Bu8t had no idea about the fake second model.

On the smooth ones , the ones with ground off lugs can be a bit tough to spot as some of the originals have a sort of seam line running around app. the middle of the body, making some originals appear fake. I got burned one time on a made up smooth bodied egg. It was a re-paint that I decided to strip. When the paint came off it was obvious. The ground off area readily showed itself. Those that I hate the worst are the out and out fakes made only for the purpose of deception to rip somebody off. I may be able to obtain one of the 2nd model (m1917 n/A) fakes. If I can get it I will post some close up shots. Dano

[Dronic69]

Hi All,

This one I had for well over 20+ years (now I really starting to show my age!!) LOL.

I would be interested on any thoughts?

Enjoy!

Cheers
Drew

[navyman]

Hello Drew,
It looks to me to be a practice throwing grenade, but don't take my word for that.
There are many more experts on the site who I'm sure will be able to positively identify it for you. Looks as though it has been made extra strong for re use after being thrown around a lot.
My training grens are painted white and have holes in them, but have operational mechanisms. Perhaps yours may be WW2 Home Guard when the real ones were needed for the actual fighting?
This is all supposition on my part, and I will be interested to find out if my guess is right?
regards,
navyman.

[gothica7]

Hi All,

This one I had for well over 20+ years (now I really starting to show my age!!) LOL.

I would be interested on any thoughts?

Enjoy!

Cheers
Drew

Hi Drew,

looks fine to me. Its a casting blank, all Mills started like this and where then machined into the end product. Just hasnt got that far and may have been used as a throwing dummy or just taken by a worker as a momento.

Andy

[Dronic69]

Hi Navyman / Andy,

Thank you both for your replies!

I was always under the impression that it was a 1st stage "casting blank", ready to be transformed into the finished product. And yes probably "escaped" before that could happened.
It may perhaps be a defective manufacturing blank? (not sure what part would be "defective" - there's certainly no cracks in the body that I can see?)
Thanks
Cheers
Drew

[Grenademan2005]

I think it was "liberated" before its next step on the production chain, it is a very nice cast. Also, surelly more scarce than the finished production grenades I think, I´m right?

[Dronic69]

HI Miguel A.J,

I was also wondering about the "scarcity" of this as well?
Would be more idea & suited for a Mills Grenade Collector than Moi who now just focuses on fuses!!!

{Any interested members just PM me as I'm still downsizing the non-fuse residue of the Collection....perhaps I should just cough up the 10 quid and advertise in the Classifies...}
Cheers
Drew