Prototype Mills Grenade

This is a rare find. It is a Prototype No5 Mills that was trialed in 1916 but never saw action. It had a cunning clockwork motor that enabled it to run over No-mans-land and then pull its own pin out when it reached the german trenches. Unfortunately it was found during trials that it would often run round in circles and detonate itself in friendly trenches.  This problem was never ironed out before the end of the war so the whole idea was thrown out and the inventor (who shall remain Anonymous) was given a swift kick up the arse and shown the door ! Unbelievable as it sounds, I have managed to find the only surviving example which is almost mint and still functions perfectly.(The boots still have the original polish) I would be interested in any other info that anyone may have concerning this ultra rare grenade.

Here is a rare photo from the 1916 tests showing the Experimental Mills going " over the top" The 2 ordinary No5's can only look on in envy ! Many thanks to Davros Dingbat for the use of his photo.

Ha Ha Ha