INERT Original 1916 WW1 British No5 Mk1 Mills Hand Grenade - Vickerys Patent Ltd

Here on offer is great example of an INERT original and untouched WW1 British No5 Mk1 Mills hand grenade dated to 1916.

This is not one of those metal detector or French grenades that have been in the ground for 100 years, it’s a genuine example that survived WW1, being deactivated and kept for historical interest. It actually makes a great desk display item or even a paperweight!

It has a lovely dark patina finish to the metal which does have some pitting corrosion of the metal on the front and on the steel fly off lever.

My understanding is that the No. 5 Mk. 1 was the first version of the grenade, first being issued in May 1915 and entered general issue when mass production caught up a year later in 1916.

The explosive was filled through the small circular brass screw plug on the upper half and the detonator assembly was inserted into the centre tube of the mills through the bottom of the grenade body via the base plug.

The explosive and detonator have been removed in the past, but it still retains the original striker and spring that are now permanently corroded in place!

The retaining pin can be removed and the steel fly off lever removed without the striker and spring moving.

I can’t see and markings on the main body of this example and the only markings I can see are on the brass plug.

The knurled edge brass is plug is stamped No5 Mk1, 11/16 which refers to November 1916, when it was made.

Below the date is the plug maker’s stamp, being V.P. Ltd L, that relates to Vickerys Patents Ltd. 10, Devonshire Grove, Old Kent Road, London S.E.15.

This is a great example of a genuine untouched WW1 grenade with some slight pitting, but it makes a great display piece that are hard to find today!


PLEASE NOTE: This item is free from explosives (FFE and contains no explosive elements or parts thereof.


It measures 3.75” (9.5cm) high and about 2.25” (5.8cm) diameter around the body.

It weighs 532g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51346