My latest addition to the collection of note. An experimental "Smooth" one piece Mills Grenade patented in 1915. All cast iron/steel construction. Patented by Mills in the Summer of 1915. Patent No. 10515. The centre piece is cast integrally with the body, in an effort to save on manufacturing costs and assembly. Apparently there were two versions made, one in cast iron and one in aluminium. I am told that the patent allows for internal or external segmentation, but this example doesn't appear to have either ?
Most of the parts on my example seem to be No. 5 parts, ie. spring, striker, brass pin, ring, brass filler screw, lever with Reg. No. 616009 I think, not very distinct. The body of the grenade was definitely painted black at some stage, some paint remains. It looks like the det tube is brass.
The base plug is obv not the right one because it is a No 23 Mk 3 but it looks like it has been in the grenade for a very long time. Markings on the base plug are : No 23 III 6 18 M. M.
I was told this was bought in an antique shop in Wales, I have no further info on where or when.
Many thanks to Bonnex for technical information, patent No. etc and permission to use the info here and also the extra pic of another iron one and an aluminium one together.
Tony.














Most of the parts on my example seem to be No. 5 parts, ie. spring, striker, brass pin, ring, brass filler screw, lever with Reg. No. 616009 I think, not very distinct. The body of the grenade was definitely painted black at some stage, some paint remains. It looks like the det tube is brass.
The base plug is obv not the right one because it is a No 23 Mk 3 but it looks like it has been in the grenade for a very long time. Markings on the base plug are : No 23 III 6 18 M. M.
I was told this was bought in an antique shop in Wales, I have no further info on where or when.
Many thanks to Bonnex for technical information, patent No. etc and permission to use the info here and also the extra pic of another iron one and an aluminium one together.
Tony.














