No 68 Mk IIII

[sgtlynn]

Just picked this up this weekend, a nice addition to my collection. Unfortunately someone decided to paint it silver, but as you can see, the original buff colour seems to be underneath. Now all I need to do is find a way to get the ugly silver off leaving the buff alone. I would prefer not to have repaint the whole thing, but perhaps I might have to. Nonetheless, I am a happy camper.

 

[horsa]

Carb cleaner (spray type) will usually lift cheap modern rattle can spray paint off with ease but isn't strong enough to affect old military spec paint. Evaporates pretty fast so its safer and cleaner than using gasoline.

 

[Millsman]

I've found that if you buy the cheapest non brand (supermarket) paint stripper, it will normally just take off the top coat. But you must still be quick. Spread the stripper on an area the size of a postage stamp, wait a couple of minutes and rub off. If the top coat comes off leaving the original paint underneath you probably have the timing right. Work in small areas and wipe off any residue with a wet cloth. The key is to test how long to keep the paint stripper on the paint before wiping off. If you see the paint start to bubble that's probably the time to wipe off.

John

 

[siegfreid]

I stand to be corrected but I don't think the paint on the No68 was cellulose based & therefore normal thinners won't affect it very quickly . Perhaps Tom would know what type of paint was used . I know most WW1 grenades used oils based paints & only turpentine will dissolve it .

 

[siegfreid]

Whoops ! Belay that previous comment . I just tested a range dug No68 fin that still had its original paint & it comes straight off with cellulose thinners . My apologies are in order .

 

[EOD]

You may try simple engine oil first. Just wipe teh grenade with a cloth, with some luck the silver paint will come off and the original paint will not be affected.

 

[sgtlynn]

Thanks guys, I will give those a try but the amount I have gotten off so far indicates the paint below is in pretty lousy shape anyway, might have to repaint it anyway. :tinysmile_cry_t:

Oh well, its in nice complete condition with all the internals, so thats a plus.

 

[sgtlynn]

Well, turns out there is little of the original paint left, so its a repaint job............

I did notice one thing that I found interesting...... The grenade is marked No. 68 A.T. IIII. I have always thought that the British had a strange method of designating grenades using both Arabic and Roman numerals Arabic as in No. 68 and Roman as in Mk. II. However, the roman numeral for four, is IV, not IIII. So, how are the others marked, a Mark 2 is marked "II", a mark 3 is Marked "III" and now we have a mark 4 marked "IIII". How is the Mark 5 marked??

 

[Bonnex]

IIII is an acceptable way of representing four in Roman numerals. Both IV and IIII were used on the tails. The addition of a I to a Mk III tail can be found on conversions. Mk Vs and Mk VIs are marked as such. Herewith a variety of markings including a couple of conversions.

Monograms are for Sunshine Waterloo Co (Canada)
Gestetner Ltd
Patent Die-Castings Co
Westinghouse Brake and Signal Co
A & F Pears Ltd
Sparklets Ltd