Markings on Mills 36 lever

[Millsman]

I bought this lever same time ago and have not traced the markings. In addition to the maker mark FB there are stamped numbers divided by dots.

9 . 4 ... 5 . 5

I suspect it may be from a trials grenade but would appreciate suggestions. I'm sure Snufkin or Bonnex might know?

 

[Snufkin]

The numbers do not mean anything to me. The typeface is not one that would be expected from a British establishment - the open 4 is more European, and particularly seen on German munitions. From pre-WWI to post-WWII, any British typeface would usually have used a closed 4 <= like this one. (Yes, someone will find the exception.)

Complete speculation is that a soldier has obtained some local number punches and marked the months of active service in theatre, so 9 April to 5 May. A reinforcement British soldier in Germany 1945? Tenuous or what?

 

[Millsman]

Thanks Tom that's useful. There is a possibility this lever is from a batch I obtained from Malta some years ago. That fits a part of your theory.