Pattern 14 Oiler mystery?

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03-10-2013, 10:34 AM
therno

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Pattern 14 Oiler mystery?

I found this what I thought was a P14 oiler a few years ago. Looks like the regular nickle M1917 oiler with the kit inside. However, it is marked on the end W C with a broad arrow and a K under it (see pics) I am not sure what these marks mean? I am very familar with the Lee Enfield oilers and there makers marks. The thing is it does not fit in the buttstock of my Pattern 14 Eddystone rifle. Any one have any ideas on marks and what they mean. I belive the P14 rifle just take a regular brass oiler and pull thru like the Lee Enfields.
03-10-2013, 01:50 PM
Patrick Chadwick

Looks like an M1917 oiler

Quote:

Originally Posted by therno

I belive the P14 rifle just take a regular brass oiler and pull thru like the Lee Enfields.

Yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by therno

However, it is marked on the end W C with a broad arrow and a K under it (see pics) I am not sure what these marks mean?

In "The Lee Enfield Story" list of WW1 contractors there is a "Wright & Co. 29 Shadwell St. Birmingham". And in the "Oil bottles" list there is a "W.C. Cheny & Son Ltd, Willenhall, West Midlands. This seems a likely supplier. The K puzzles me.

How is the case constructed? Do the caps have sealing rings? Dimensions?

If it is about 0.75" in diameter, 6" long, and divided into 2 compartments, then it is the oiler/thong case combo for the M1917. One end cap should have the oil dropper, and the other holds the "skinny" type of US pull-through thong. See Stratton, Vol. 4, P106. No use to you. Better give it to me:lol:
03-10-2013, 05:41 PM
therno

It is a M1917 oilier because it does have the 2 compartments w/ skinny pull thru. And it fits my M1917 Winchester. But why does it have British marks? Was it British made?
03-10-2013, 05:51 PM
Patrick Chadwick

Quote:

Originally Posted by therno

But why does it have British marks? Was it British made?

The WD arrow identifies it as a piece of British military equipment. Many M1917s were used in the UK, where they were marked as being NOT .303 by a red band painted around the fore-end. So if you come across an M1917 with traces of red paint, it has probaby been "repatriated". I imagine that the numbers were sufficient for the War Office to have procured a quantity of oilers for them, as the M1917 does not have the double-compartment in the butt that is present on P14s (to hold the British pull-through).