Mills grenade.

[SG500]

I've had this one since I was a kid (30 years ago!!) when I picked it up for 5 in an antique shop.
All INERT.
Comes to bits etc.
Other than that I know absolutely nothing about it other than its a Mills Grenade.
Is it WW1 or WW2?
Who made it?
Dave.

 

[Nismosonic]

I've had this one since I was a kid (30 years ago!!) when I picked it up for 5 in an antique shop.
All INERT.
Comes to bits etc.
Other than that I know absolutely nothing about it other than its a Mills Grenade.
Is it WW1 or WW2?
Who made it?
Dave.

It's a No 23 Mk2 grenade from WW1. I have one of these base plugs dated 1917. , is there any markings on the grenade body ?
The date should be on the raised part of the base plug. Maker is H.S. Cooke & Co, 116 Northwood Street, Birmingham. (they also made Oil bottles for SMLE rifle)
Nice grenade, looks in good condition.

 

[Millsman]

An excellent all original grenade. It should be left exactly as it is, don't try to clean it up. All it probably needs is a bit of light grease on the spring / striker as over time they can stick to the aluminum or brass centre piece. A good investment too as the 5 is now worth up to 75 to the right buyer. I'm a bit envious!

John

 

[SG500]

Thanks Nismosonic and Millsman. I've just taken it to bits and found a letter "H" on it. Any ideas?
There looks like there is a date on the plug but its under paint/crud so I've not messed around scraping it off.
Dave.

 

[pointblank0]

Nice condition grenade. You got a real bargain there

 

[dano1917]

fime mills bomb

Looks like a most excellent example to me Dave, and the price was sure right, May need to find a No36 to keep it company so to speak, then it just goes ugly from there...Best..Dano

 

[Millsman]

The H will just be a casting / mould letter. On No 5's these can be numbers or letters that don't normally tie up to a maker. I've got No 5 with FD, B , G and various numbers, normally under the lever. The only one that may tie up (and it could be a co-incidence) is a letter B on a grenade with a 1915 plug for Burman Ltd of Birmingham, but I suspect even that one is a just a mould identifyer.

John

 

[SG500]

Thanks for the info guys.
Dave.