Some Lee Enfield gunroom artifacts...

[Claven2]

I thought it would be fun to get ppl to post some Lee Enfield-related "gunroom artifacts" people have lying around that aren't often shown here on the site. I have a TON of stuff like this, obscure tools, rare bayonets, various bits of uncommon webbing, grenade firing adaptors, etc. - and for whatever reason, we get lots of gun pics, but very few accompanying bits.

So how a bout a little show and tell? I can start us off with a couple items you don't see every day. First, here is a 1940 aiming instruction sight for the SMLE, made before the adoption of the No.4 rifle - these really only work with the barrel mounted leaf sights. They were clipped over the rear handguard, and allowed a musketry instructor to see what the recruit's sight picture was, so he could correct any poor soul that insisting on aiming like Grandpa taught them as opposed to the King's approved way of doing things. The device can be moved up and down to match the issue rear sight elevation all the way out to 2000 yards.

These are a clever bit of kit with a semi-transparent piece of tempered glass inserted in the apparatus, so the recruit could aim through it, while the instructor could see the same line of sight, off to the side, as a reflection. I've tried to post a photo of this sight picture, though hard to do with a phone camera!

And here's another uncommon item. This is a very early production Singer Manufacturing No.4MkI cruciform bayonet. These were not made very long before production switched to the ubiquitous spike bayonets (No.4 Mk II, II*, and III).

Let's see what else is lurking out there! If it's weird, wonderful, associated with the Lee Enfield and you have photos - what are you waiting for? Post it here.

 

[Claven2]

I could not resist, so here are a couple more items.

First up is a No.1MkIII cutaway made for instructing recruits and armorers on how the SMLE operated. Every moving part or part that related to lockup, safety, etc. is machined open in such a way that it still functions, but is visible. Often (like this example), where metal was removed to show function, the removed metal was painted red.

And here is an early "hooked quillion" M1907 bayonet. It may not be widely known, but the British copied the 1907 bayonet from the Type 30 Japanese Arisaka bayonet, adopted by Japan in 1897. This was done because when the Long Lee was replaced with the SMLE, infantry wanted the overall length of the rifle with mounted bayonet to be the same length as the Long Lee with mounted bayonet. Why? Well because in 1907, they still thought they might form battlefield squares and plant rifle butts to use the bayonet as a pike to repel cavalry charges (yes, really.).

The early 1907 bayonet has a quillion to try to catch the blade of an opponent's bayonet, while attempting to wrench the rifle out of their hands - after which you would run that chap through. After 1910, The British military realized this was a pretty optimistic way of looking at bayonet fighting, and the quilions were always catching on the pattern 1908 webbing - so they eliminated it from production and ordered the quillions ground off most existing bayonets - not many evaded those modifications, so they are tough to find for a fair price today. For whatever reason, most intact examples seem to show evidence of Australian issue - they must not have felt as compelled as other commonwealth nations to follow the official list of changes ordering these modifications.

 

[Claven2]

Here's a couple more things...

First is a bore inspection device. These were not really intended for armorers - armorers would just remove the bolt and inspect the rifle directly. These inspection devices allowed an NCO inspecting troops with their rifles at Port to quickly check the bores for rust or fouling - a sign of unruly troops not caring for the King's rifles.

The cap was removed, the device held by the loop at the top of the handle to insert it into the chamber, and the inspector looked at a 45 degree angled mirror which allowed rapid inspection of the rifling.

Another interesting, though not that uncommon item is the broken shell extractor. These absolutely were issued at unit level for clearing a broken shell from a rifle chamber, but they were not widely issued for that purpose. There are so many around today because they were standard issue wit the .303 machine gun kits - machineguns are much more likely to see broken shells owing the violent actions, generous headspace and extreme heat.

On a lee enfield, you basically just try to chamber the extractor like a round. It slides inside the broken shell and the tip of the took expands to grip the brass case mouth - giving you another chance to try to extract the case with the bolt. If that did not work, you went looking for a clearing rod to tap it out from the muzzle end (also with this gadget inside the broken shell). I always keep one of these in my range bag.

 

[5THBATT]

My rare combination tool for the MkI SMLE

 

[jtaylor]

Here's a couple more things...

First is a bore inspection device. These were not really intended for armorers - armorers would just remove the bolt and inspect the rifle directly. These inspection devices allowed an NCO inspecting troops with their rifles at Port to quickly check the bores for rust or fouling - a sign of unruly troops not caring for the King's rifles.

The cap was removed, the device held by the loop at the top of the handle to insert it into the chamber, and the inspector looked at a 45 degree angled mirror which allowed rapid inspection of the rifling.

Another interesting, though not that uncommon item is the broken shell extractor. These absolutely were issued at unit level for clearing a broken shell from a rifle chamber, but they were not widely issued for that purpose. There are so many around today because they were standard issue wit the .303 machine gun kits - machineguns are much more likely to see broken shells owing the violent actions, generous headspace and extreme heat.

On a lee enfield, you basically just try to chamber the extractor like a round. It slides inside the broken shell and the tip of the took expands to grip the brass case mouth - giving you another chance to try to extract the case with the bolt. If that did not work, you went looking for a clearing rod to tap it out from the muzzle end (also with this gadget inside the broken shell). I always keep one of these in my range bag.

Hi Claven2. There are 2 variations of the service brass bore mirror. The one in the pic was standard kit for the Lewis and Vickers where bores would be inspected often for fouling. The mirror without the handle would be the one intended for
rifle inspection. I have 2 of the latter which I have assumed are Canadian manufacture. One is stamped on the end MM Co over 1916 with a C broad arrow. The other is stamped on the barrel Lauder Co. 1916 with a C broad arrow. A bore mirror would not have been issued to the soldier of the line. John T.

 

[scotteboy]

Great stuff!
Thanks for sharing and keep it coming!

 

[Claven2]

Hi Claven2. There are 2 variations of the service brass bore mirror. The one in the pic was standard kit for the Lewis and Vickers where bores would be inspected often for fouling. The mirror without the handle would be the one intended for
rifle inspection. I have 2 of the latter which I have assumed are Canadian manufacture. One is stamped on the end MM Co over 1916 with a C broad arrow. The other is stamped on the barrel Lauder Co. 1916 with a C broad arrow. A bore mirror would not have been issued to the soldier of the line. John T.

Pics or it never happened

 

[FoymountFarm]

An accoutrement, Mecar Energa anti tank grenade launcher, Belgian made circa Korean war. It's fitted on a 1942 Savage No4 Mk1 (no star) 5C7224 that was FTR'd in 1949 at Fazarkerley. The grenade is a WWII era US M11A3 training grenade. Not correct for the Energa but it fits.

 

[FoymountFarm]

Some tools and 303 drill cartridges. The cartridges are 1942 DAC head stamped.

 

[collector67]

Armorer’s funnel used to clean bores with boiling water…

 

[Claven2]

I have (and use) one of those funnels whenever I shoot corrosive ammo or black powder. I've wrapped the chamber end in electrical tape so it won't scratch a chamber - useful item for sure!

Here's a selection of the most commonly encountered types of charger clips:

From left to right: MkII, MkIII and MkIV. I've never seen a MkI charger, and google didn't turn one up either. If they were ever made in quantity, maybe someone has one to share but I've not come across any after about 30 years looking for one.

Here's some interesting MOD documentation on the progression of the clips:

The first charger being referred to is clearly the MkIII, which apparently was difficult to use. You can see it was ultimately replaced in October 1917 with the MkIV pattern that continued as the main pattern until the Lee Enfield was retired from military service. I'm not sure when the MkII fell out of use. In practice I find the MkII chargers work best in my rifles, followed by the MkIV. But I think the MkII was considered flimsy in service because the back is really not as rigid as a MkIV charger.

Next item is fairly common. The Lee Enfield action cover. These entered service in WW1, but were used through WW2 and beyond. Generally the WW2 made ones fit the No.1MkIII, No.1MkV and No.4 rifles interchangeably, but the WW1 made ones are generally to small to fit over the No.4's rear sight aperture (in my experience). I have no idea how much these were actually used in WW2, as it was not really a muddy trench war (which they were developed for). This one is a 1943 Canadian made piece.

And last for today, some cool old WW1 era Dominion Arsenals military blanks. These are all made from 1915 and 1916 casings, two of which are uncommon Gallery Practise cases re-purposed as blanks.

 

[Claven2]

Hi Claven2. There are 2 variations of the service brass bore mirror. The one in the pic was standard kit for the Lewis and Vickers where bores would be inspected often for fouling. The mirror without the handle would be the one intended for
rifle inspection. I have 2 of the latter which I have assumed are Canadian manufacture. One is stamped on the end MM Co over 1916 with a C broad arrow. The other is stamped on the barrel Lauder Co. 1916 with a C broad arrow. A bore mirror would not have been issued to the soldier of the line. John T.

I ended up checking the LOC, as I did not recall previously reading that the handled version was only for MGs.

The Reflector, Mirror, Small-arms, .303-inch, appeared in The List of Changes in March 1891 (LoC 6374). Brass, with a glass reflector mirror set at 45 degrees and outfitted with a brass outer case attached by a brass chain.

Next, in December 1915 (LoC 17687), The Reflector, mirror, S.A. (Small Arms), .303-inch-Adaptor, Mark I was approved for use with the Canadian Ross rifle and the new Pattern of 1914 rifle. This second pattern reflector, with handle, was then officially approved for general use with all .303 inch arms.

Both types were used interchangeably after 1915.

The MkI reflector (with handle) was subsequently approved for naval service in October 1917 (LoC 20131).

In August 1925 all reflectors of all types were withdrawn and their issue subsequently restricted to armorers. (LoC A-1184) Presumably after 1925, bore inspection at parade was not done.

There is also a rare .22 version for use with the No.2MkIV* rifle, but I've never seen one in person.

 

[5THBATT]

MkI Chargers

 

[Claven2]

Nice! Guess I will need to keep searching for one!

 

[jtaylor]

Muzzle protectors for the use of armourers designed to reduce wear on rifle muzzles when using cleaning equipment. The only cleaning rods I have experience with are the Parler Hale contract ones for the .303 and .22 and the bronze rods (one in each transit chest) for the .22 No. 7. The tool on the left is the first pattern made for Long Lee rifles. The 2nd tool from the left is a Canadian No.2 tool for the short Ross with the light barrel. No 2 Tools 3 and 4 (both with the Parker Hale stamp PH) are for the SMLE rifle. Tool 3 has all the case colour hardening and tool 4 is slightly used but had the broad arrow stamp. Last pic is the obverse of the Canadian tool to show the C broad arrow.. I would expect there would be another tool for the heavy barrel Mk II** and Mk III rifle in case somebody wants to part with one to me.

 

[jtaylor]

Pics or it never happened

Hello Claven2. I take it the your comment "pics or it never happened" is a slight to goad me in providing pics of my 2 1916 bore mirrors. You should have just asked politely. Next time use respect. My pic of the MM Co. 1916 stamp on the end didn't turn out but at least my 1916 Lauder pic shows what is needed. I hope my word of the MM Co. example will be accepted. John T.

 

[jtaylor]

I ended up checking the LOC, as I did not recall previously reading that the handled version was only for MGs.

The Reflector, Mirror, Small-arms, .303-inch, appeared in The List of Changes in March 1891 (LoC 6374). Brass, with a glass reflector mirror set at 45 degrees and outfitted with a brass outer case attached by a brass chain.

Next, in December 1915 (LoC 17687), The Reflector, mirror, S.A. (Small Arms), .303-inch-Adaptor, Mark I was approved for use with the Canadian Ross rifle and the new Pattern of 1914 rifle. This second pattern reflector, with handle, was then officially approved for general use with all .303 inch arms.

Both types were used interchangeably after 1915.

The MkI reflector (with handle) was subsequently approved for naval service in October 1917 (LoC 20131).

In August 1925 all reflectors of al types were withdrawn and their issue subsequently restricted to armorers. (LoC A-1184) Presumably after 1925, bore inspection at parade was not done.

There is also a rare .22 version for use with the No.3MkIV* rifle, but I've never seen one in person.

Hi Claven2. With the Maxim Gun and the Vickers to use a bore reflector is really a 2 person job. After the top cover is flipped back one has to hold back the crank handle to hold the breach mechanism from slamming forward with whatever force has been applied to the fusee spring. There is no hold open device. On the Lewis gun the breach bolt can be held back by simply pushing in the cocking handle all the way into a slot n the body. Its a good lock only IF the handle is pushed in all the way. The Lewis bolt slams forward from the force put on by the clock spring. So if if its not all the way in the bolt can work its way out of the slot and slam forward.
So I ask you - - wouldn't you tend to only use a bore reflector with a handle to prevent finger injury?
I have never seen a bore reflector for the .22 rifle either.
I turned over all my heavy stuff to a museum years ago. I miss my Lewis. Anybody have one not needed? John T.

 

[jtaylor]

I could not resist, so here are a couple more items.

First up is a No.1MkIII cutaway made for instructing recruits and armorers on how the SMLE operated. Every moving part or part that related to lockup, safety, etc. is machined open in such a way that it still functions, but is visible. Often (like this example), where metal was removed to show function, the removed metal was painted red.

And here is an early "hooked quillion" M1907 bayonet. It may not be widely known, but the British copied the 1907 bayonet from the Type 30 Japanese Arisaka bayonet, adopted by Japan in 1897. This was done because when the Long Lee was replaced with the SMLE, infantry wanted the overall length of the rifle with mounted bayonet to be the same length as the Long Lee with mounted bayonet. Why? Well because in 1907, they still thought they might form battlefield squares and plant rifle butts to use the bayonet as a pike to repel cavalry charges (yes, really.).

The early 1907 bayonet has a quillion to try to catch the blade of an opponent's bayonet, while attempting to wrench the rifle out of their hands - after which you would run that chap through. After 1910, The British military realized this was a pretty optimistic way of looking at bayonet fighting, and the quilions were always catching on the pattern 1908 webbing - so they eliminated it from production and ordered the quillions ground off most existing bayonets - not many evaded those modifications, so they are tough to find for a fair price today. For whatever reason, most intact examples seem to show evidence of Australian issue - they must not have felt as compelled as other commonwealth nations to follow the official list of changes ordering these modifica

Here's a couple more things...

First is a bore inspection device. These were not really intended for armorers - armorers would just remove the bolt and inspect the rifle directly. These inspection devices allowed an NCO inspecting troops with their rifles at Port to quickly check the bores for rust or fouling - a sign of unruly troops not caring for the King's rifles.

The cap was removed, the device held by the loop at the top of the handle to insert it into the chamber, and the inspector looked at a 45 degree angled mirror which allowed rapid inspection of the rifling.

Another interesting, though not that uncommon item is the broken shell extractor. These absolutely were issued at unit level for clearing a broken shell from a rifle chamber, but they were not widely issued for that purpose. There are so many around today because they were standard issue wit the .303 machine gun kits - machineguns are much more likely to see broken shells owing the violent actions, generous headspace and extreme heat.

On a lee enfield, you basically just try to chamber the extractor like a round. It slides inside the broken shell and the tip of the took expands to grip the brass case mouth - giving you another chance to try to extract the case with the bolt. If that did not work, you went looking for a clearing rod to tap it out from the muzzle end (also with this gadget inside the broken shell). I always keep one of these in my range bag.

 

[jtaylor]

Not sure if this entry will turn out properly. My MOST used Enfield tool is the spring balance. The first pic shows a device for the SMLE rifle, Ross rifle, and Lewis Gun. The SMLE tool works best on the Mk I cocking piece. I use it to test and adjust trigger pressure which I desire to be 3 lbs 1st pressure and 5 lbs second pressure. Tool is used to test pressure of all springs including the vertical pressure of the No.4 barrel as it rests on the fore. The Ross tool hooks into the rear firing pin hole to
check mainspring. The Lewis tool has an additional pointed punch to assist in removal of the body lock pin and a screwdriver
end to adjust the clock spring sprocket. At one time I had a similar spring balance for the FN L1 but sold it. John T.

 

[Claven2]

Hello Claven2. I take it the your comment "pics or it never happened" is a slight to goad me in providing pics of my 2 1916 bore mirrors. You should have just asked politely. Next time use respect. My pic of the MM Co. 1916 stamp on the end didn't turn out but at least my 1916 Lauder pic shows what is needed. I hope my word of the MM Co. example will be accepted. John T.

Hi John, “pics or it never happened” is ultra common forum language across a variety of platforms and it’s usually seen as a fun and good natured way of asking for photos. It’s not intended as a slight or offence. I apologize if you took it as such.