G-2 ENFIELD CLEANING FUNNEL- This item was used to funnel boiling hot water through the barrel to facilitate cleaning of the bore. Very useful when considering corrosive ammunition.
This item is in new condition, as in it has not been used before. However, it was found in a wooden crate in the back of a store. The funnel is old, so there are the odd spots of dirt, dots of rust on it, very small amount. However the funnel is in excellent condition.
I just found an interesting article on this exact funnel in the "Canadian Journal of Arms Collecting" Vol.33 No.3. The article says that:
Cleaning Funnels: An UnCommon Lee-Enfield Accessory- by P.M.R. Breakey. "The recent discovery in Quebec of a small quantity of original Canadian WWII period rifle cleaning funnels has prompted this article. Proper cleaning of the rifle is necessary as military cartridge primers contain chemicals, potassium chlorate or mercury fulminate, which during firing recombines as a corrosive salt residue distributed along the barrel. The salts combine with water (humidity in the air) to immediately ruse in the barrel. A typical round funnel will not fit the Lee Enfield action and the spout is too short to reach the chamber from the rear of the action. The subject funnel was made to remedy that problem. "
The article is 2 pages long and includes a few photos.
The very side of the funnel indicates that its use would be relegated to the barracks or behind the lines as no soldier worth his salt would carry one in his pack. If so, it certainly would not be around for long and in itself may explain the scarcity of this interesting item of military history. $20.00. Click pics to enlarge.
Attachment 18371 -
Attachment 18370
