British Army Dump - October 2011 - Last RRPG dig of the year !

[m3bobby]

that thumb turn thing as you call it is a lock catch from a bren gun transit chest or a no4T transit chest
cheers ian

Its not from a Bren chest, theyre rounded rather than triangular, and this is slightly larger than the type on the Bren chest, I was thinking when It came out of the ground that it was similar to a chest catch, perhaps off somthing larger?

[ian]

yep your right
i just looked at my bren chest and they are round and smaller as youve stated
cheers ian

[m3bobby]

I think the idea is the same, just on a larger scale.

[Steve T]

Thanks guys. I am dead chuffed with the Boyes sub calibre round. Awesome.



So to clarify, the mags you term 'series' just relate to the No.1 and No. 4 LE yes ?

Thanks

Steve T

[m3bobby]

Hi Steve, thats correct, I used the term series as the No.1 mag is a bad term really as the No.1 rifle was only called that post 192?, prior to that it was the Mk1, 3, IV (.22), 5 etc. These mags were used on the CLLE, SMLE Mk3 and 5 etc. The No.4 mag was used on all marks of No.4 and the No.5 rifle

[m3bobby]

Heres a Butt marking disc I found, it even had the screw but the screw was rubish so after a quick clean I fitted it to a Bren I had with a hole for a disk. Unfortunatly there are no markings other than the WD Broad Arrow on the back. I think it fits in quite well with the weathered look of the butt.



This is the Vickers Water can I dug out with what appears to be 3rd Beds HG painted on it. I assume it to be 3rd Bedfordshire Home Guard.



2 versions of Vickers Tripod ammo box carriers, one is much larger than the other but of the same design.



These items have gone in a bath of penetrating oil so wont be out for a while yet. My favourite items are the Boys mag, the Bren Butt plate and the Aerial Lewis Butt handles.

[Steve T]

M3 - Great finds. I love the fact you've re-used the Bren disc You picture also shows the butt plate type I found which is great.

The markings on that can are amazing and the rest of your finds are really good to. I can't recall seeing any Lewis handles coming out before, and I am really jealous of the PIAT sight.

Steve T

[Gary J]

By the looks of the construction, (The item is tightened internally with a four prong tool, and the thread is a fine "gas type" thread), .. maybe part of a a gas return mechanism for auto loading of a weapon ?.

Another suggestion ... check the thread against the thread on the base of a mills bomb .... maybe a discharger spigot of some type ?

Gary J.

Anybody ID this?

me and LS found loads of these last time

Attachment 255535
Attachment 255536
Inside
Attachment 255537
It had a screw cap on which i removed so i could see inside
Attachment 255538


John

[m3bobby]

I was thinking along the lines of the PIAT internals but I dont have and cant find a exploded view of one. My other thought was a large grease gun of somt sort.

[Steve T]

I've got a PIAT manual with a full break down of parts with pictures I'll have a look and get back to you

I'd already spoken to WH and said it reminded me of something I'd seen in one of the manuals I've got.......

Steve T