British, WWI, No.23 Mk I Mills Bomb Hand & Rifle Grenade, C.A.V. Marked, Original Lever & Pin, Inert

*British, WWI, No.23 Mk I Mills Bomb Hand & Rifle Grenade, C.A.V. Marked, Original Lever & Pin, Inert*

An original British First World War No.23 Mk I Mills Bomb hand and rifle grenade, retaining its original cast-iron segmented body, steel striker lever, pull ring and split pin, together with the correct threaded brass base plug. The original threaded brass base plug may be removed to reveal the completely empty internal cavity, allowing the construction of the grenade to be viewed.

The brass base plug is clearly stamped "C.A.V." (C.A. Vandervell & Co.) together with the model designation "No.23", identifying it as a wartime-produced example manufactured for the British Ministry of Munitions.

Originally introduced in 1916, the No.23 represented the first rifle-launching development of the famous Mills Bomb. In addition to conventional hand use, the threaded brass base accepted an 8-inch launching rod, allowing the grenade to be fired from a Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle using a blank cartridge, considerably increasing throwing range during trench warfare.

The original cast body retains its distinctive 24-segment fragmentation pattern, while the steel lever, pull ring and retaining pin remain present, giving the grenade an attractive, complete display appearance.

A desirable and increasingly difficult-to-find example of one of Britain's most recognisable First World War infantry weapons.

History Note:
The No.23 Mk I Mills Bomb entered British service during 1916 as an improvement upon the earlier No.5 grenade. Its principal innovation was the threaded brass base plug, enabling the fitting of a launching rod for rifle projection. This gave infantry greater striking distance while retaining the ability to throw the grenade conventionally.

The brass base plug on this example bears the manufacturer's mark C.A.V., identifying production by C.A. Vandervell & Co., Acton, London. Better known for electrical engineering and ignition equipment, the company became one of many civilian manufacturers contracted by the Ministry of Munitions to produce grenade components during the enormous wartime expansion of British arms production.

The Mills Bomb remained Britain's standard fragmentation grenade throughout the remainder of the First World War and continued in military service for many years afterwards, making surviving First World War examples highly sought after by collectors.

*Condition*
Presented in good original wartime condition with an attractive aged appearance throughout. The cast-iron body retains well-defined segmentation with no obvious structural cracks or major losses. The original steel striker lever, pull ring and split pin remain fitted and display an even dark patina with expected surface corrosion consistent with age. The brass base plug remains particularly well preserved, with clear C.A.V. manufacturer's marking and No.23 designation still easily legible. The surfaces have been professionally stabilised with a protective coating to inhibit further corrosion while preserving the original appearance. The grenade is completely inert, the grenade has been professionally cleared and is entirely empty internally, with the central fuze tube and flash channel both visible and free from explosive components. The original threaded brass base plug unscrews correctly, allowing inspection of the empty interior. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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