WW2 1940 Inert No. 36 MK1 British Mills Bomb by Parkinson Stone Company

~ WW2 1940 Inert No. 36 MK1 British Mills Bomb by Parkinson Stone Company ~

An all-original piece this variant has a slightly different 'blended' top body segment design which is unusual and rare.

The body is stamped PSC 37and the plug is dated  September 1940.

Historical Background

Mills Bomb Development

Inventor: The Mills Bomb was designed by William Mills in 1915 and became the standard British hand grenade during World War I and II.
No. 36 MK1: This specific variant, the No. 36 MK1, was introduced in 1917 and remained in service through World War II due to its effective design.

Parkinson Stone Company

Manufacturer: The Parkinson Stone Company, primarily known for its work in stone cutting and manufacturing, was one of several civilian companies repurposed to produce military equipment during the war.
War Effort: During World War II, the company contributed to the war effort by manufacturing grenades like the No. 36 MK1, helping to meet the high demand for military ordnance.

Design and Features

Material: The grenade is made from cast iron, designed with a grooved, pineapple-like exterior to enhance fragmentation.
Weight: Approximately 765 grams, providing a balance between ease of throwing and effective explosive force.
Fuse: Equipped with a percussion cap and time-delay fuse, typically a 4-second delay to allow the thrower to seek cover.

Markings

Parkinson Stone Company: Grenades produced by this company would be marked with specific identifiers or manufacturer codes to denote their origin. Collectors and historians value these markings for tracing production history.
Color Coding: Standard practice included various paint schemes to indicate the type and condition of the grenade. Training versions were often painted differently to distinguish them from live ordnance.