Australian Red Bakelite No 69 Grenades.

[paul the grenade]

yes, im sure it came from australia.
could well be the same one.
paul.

Paul . Did you get that from an Australian seller on eBay many years ago ? I remember bidding on one & not getting it at , I think , about 20 . Mike

 

[TimG]

Mike,

Thanks for the tip. De La Rue is a very interesting company. They started off making hats moved into making playing cards (this part was sold a over a century later to Waddingtons) Moved into security printing – banknotes and postage stamps. By the turn of the last century they were also making fountain pens. At the outbreak of WWI got seriously involved in plastics. By WWII had probably the largest moulding factory in Europe, making bakelite radio cabinets was a big part of the business. Post war got heavily involved in Formica and bought Potterton boilers. They’re still involved in banknotes – using their expertise with plastics to incorporate them as security features.

Tim

 

[paul the grenade]

I finally got round to restoring the Australian No69. i filled the holes in the lid and rebuild the base screw with a small piece of Bakelite from a damaged brit 69. then repainted the markings. i still need to sort out the fuze and fuze well but they may be a lot harder to do. Do any of our Australian members have any red 247 fuzes to trade? or just the cross screw in the top?
cheers, Paul.

here's my poor old example converted to a pepper shaker (not salt as previously stated) the base plug has been filed down so it can stand up and the bottom of the fuze and fuze well have been removed. the cap has lots of holes drilled in. the base has been filed a bit but you can still make out the "No 69 and the word GRIP"
Still, it will make a great restoration project.
Paul.

 

[US-Subs]

Mine has very little original paint left, and no markings on the top or bottom, only a small bit on the side. Side markings are:
No 69 1
N-AIR 42
N

 

[millsbomber]

When you just think you got the full set there's always one lurking in the back ground to ruin your day,,,,,,,,, Dave