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 in relic condition. The body, of segmented cast iron construction, retains its classic 16-panel fragmentation pattern, though with heavy surface oxidation from long-term burial or ground recovery. The grenade retains its base plug, which is clearly stamped No. 5 Mk I, along with inspection and manufacturer’s markings. The striker and filler components are absent, leaving the piece safe and inert.

Historical Note:
The Mills bomb, invented in 1915 by William Mills of Birmingham, became the first truly modern fragmentation grenade to be adopted in large numbers by the British Army. The No. 5 Mk I was introduced in May 1915, featuring a grooved cast iron body for grip and controlled fragmentation, a central detonator well, and a base plug for filling and inspection. It saw extensive service in the trenches of the Western Front, becoming an enduring symbol of First World War combat.

Condition:
Relic condition with heavy pitting, corrosion, and loss to some surface detail from long-term burial. Base plug remains legible. Now completely inert. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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