British, WW1, No. 5 Mk I “Mills Bomb” Hand Grenade, Relic Condition, Inert

*British, WW1, No. 5 Mk I “Mills Bomb” Hand Grenade, Relic Condition, Inert*

A First World War British No. 5 Mk I Mills bomb hand grenade body in relic condition. Manufactured from cast iron, the grenade retains its characteristic segmented 16-panel design intended for grip and controlled fragmentation. The base plug aperture remains open, with the fuze assembly and striker components absent. Surface shows deep corrosion, pitting, and partial losses from long-term burial or recovery.

Historical Note:
The Mills bomb, designed by William Mills of Birmingham and adopted in 1915, became the first modern fragmentation grenade used extensively by the British Army. The No. 5 Mk I remained in service throughout the Great War, evolving into later variants such as the No. 23 and No. 36. Its segmented “pineapple” body became an iconic symbol of trench warfare.

*Condition*
Relic condition. Extensive corrosion, pitting, and metal surface loss over all areas. No internal mechanism present; inert and safe. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQDO_2519020525