~ Rare British No. 23 Mills Bomb Rifle Grenade by James Gibbons - Inert ~
The British No. 23 Mills Bomb Rifle Grenade is a rare and significant piece of military history, particularly valued by collectors and historians. Here’s a detailed overview of its design, history, and usage:
Overview of the No. 23 Mills Bomb Rifle Grenade
History and Development:
Inventor: The Mills Bomb series, including the No. 23, was invented by William Mills.
Introduction: The No. 23 variant was introduced during World War I and adapted from the earlier Mills Bomb hand grenade designs.
Manufacturer: This specific version was produced by various manufacturers, including James Gibbons, a notable name in British military manufacturing.
Design and Features:
Shape and Structure: Similar to other Mills Bombs, the No. 23 has a segmented cast-iron body designed for fragmentation. It is distinguished by its additional components for use as a rifle grenade.
Weight and Size: The No. 23 typically weighs around 765 grams (1.7 pounds), similar to other Mills Bombs, but with adaptations for rifle launching.
Filling: It was filled with amatol, TNT, or other explosives depending on availability and the period.
Mechanism:
Fuze System: The grenade uses a time-delay fuze, similar to other Mills Bomb variants. The safety pin is pulled before launching.
Rifle Grenade Adapter: The No. 23 is equipped with a base plate and a rod or cup attachment, allowing it to be fired from a rifle.
Detonation: After the time delay, the explosive charge detonates, causing the grenade to fragment and produce shrapnel.
Usage in Combat:
World War I: The No. 23 was extensively used in the trench warfare of World War I, where its ability to be launched from a rifle gave soldiers a greater range.
Versatility: While primarily designed as a rifle grenade, the No. 23 could also be used as a hand grenade if necessary.
Identification:
Markings: The No. 23 typically features manufacturer markings, including the maker's name (e.g., James Gibbons) and the year of production. These markings are often found on the body and the base plug.
Color: Originally painted in various colors for different purposes. The live versions were typically dark green or black, while training versions could be blue.
