What does a Mills look like after 68 years on the bottom of a lake?

[turpin42]

If you are lucky, a bit like this
Rusty and grubby but after a 12 hour bath in white vinegar (to remove the rust) and a wash with soapy water and a toothbrush, came up nice!
Gave it a coat of oil. Have only cleaned it, no touching up of the markings. It is inert.
Amazing that this has survived so long under water.
Thought i'd better throw something out here, been an awful long time since i posted anything.




All the very best
T42

 

[Darren]

Cleaned up very well, I'm surprised that the condition is so good after spending so many years in the water. I guess that the original varnish/coating protected the paint/markings?

 

[turpin42]

Hi Darren
Yeah, i could belive it myself. The zinc base plug had actually the worst corrosion.
Heres another from the same place, same treatment (this one is worse for wear)
Replaced the pin and ring, otherwised just cleaned.


All the best
T42

 

[Millsman]

Were the grenades ex-Norwegian resistance, dumped at the end of the war? Are they from the British raids in 1940? Can you see the date on the baseplug? Nice find either way.

John

 

[turpin42]

Hi John
Ex resistance, 44 and 43 dates.
According to the seller they are from a mixed group of German and ex resistance stuff dumped at the end of the war.

All the very best
T42

 

[Millsman]

Very nice. I have some ex Norwegian 9mm (inert) pistol / SMG rounds that were discovered a few years ago. Made inert and placed on the militaria market. They are UK made and dated 43 and 44 too.

John