February 28, 2005    

Enfield-Stuff
            A web site about Lee-Enfield rifles and the men who carried them.
     
 
 
 
Enfield Combination Tool
  
   

 

The Implement, action, rifle, short, M.L.E., Mark I makes it's first appearance in the List of Changes on 2 February 1904. (LoC 12057).

"The implement is for use in stripping and re-assembling the stock fore-end and action, and testing the length and radius of the striker point of "Rifles, short, M.L.E.," also for stripping and re-assembling the bolt of "Sword-bayonet, pattern 1903."

  
Six years later, (LoC 15337, 3 Nov 1910) we see something highly unusual: the same LoC is used to introduce both a new version (Mk II) and to specify changes to those already in the field.  The altered tools are identified as Mk I, Altered to Mk II.  Although intended for unit armourers, it is likely that this simple and highly versatile tool saw issue to non-commissioned officers as well. It was not intended for issue to the common soldier.
The example we have (below) is a Mk II.  We have reproduced the description of the various parts of the tool as it appears in the original LoC's.

"The following is a description of the various parts of the tool, showing the screws, &c., for which they are used.

(a) Driver, screw..For screws - band, inner; cap, nose, back; guard, trigger, front; plate, butt; sight dial, fixing; spring, sight, aperture.

(b) Driver, screw..For screws - bed, back sight, back and front; cut off; extractor; keeper, fine adjustment; handguard, cap; protector sight, top; nut, keeper, striker; and protector, sight, side.

(c) Driver, screw..For screws - band, outer; swivels, piling and butt; cap, nose, front; disc, marking, butt; ejector; guard, back; sear; spring, sight, back; and stop, charger guide.

(d) Driver, screw, forked...For screw, sight, dial, pivot.

(e) Tool, extractor spring, removing and replacing.

(f) Tool, expanding magazine link. (Note: the Mk I and Mk I, Altered will have a cupped recess in the area marked by the white lines.)

(g) Driver, screw, forked...For nut, bolt, sword-bayonet, pattern 1903.

(h) Gauge, striker point, height and figure."
This particular example is highly unusual in that it was made by the "trade" and not RSAF Enfield.  The maker's mark (Central with an "O" superimposed on the "T") is unknown.