MAS 44 and/or 49 Unknown Accessory and Packaging Question

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03-04-2020, 09:56 PM
Combloc

MAS 44 and/or 49 Unknown Accessory and Packaging Question

Howdy guys. I recently picked up a bunch of accessories for the 44 and 49 rifles but I came across a tool that I have no idea what it's for and I'm hoping you can identify it for me.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...093pdxes-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...e2634c5t-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...usbvd4vd-1.jpg

It looks like some kind of spanner tool to me but I have no idea what it's used for. I thought it might be a 49/56 front sight adjustment tool but the fingers, while approximately the right distance apart, are too short to engage the holes in the sight. Besides, it came packed with a bunch of stuff relating to the 44 and the 49 rifles so I assume it's for one or both of them.

The next question is in regards to a factory seald box of four magazines. Written on the label is "E.R.M Poitiers" What does that mean?
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...iuctjnv7-1.jpg

Thank you in advance for any information you folks can provide!
03-04-2020, 10:11 PM
Paul S.

Poitiers is a place name.

It looks like a sight adjustment tool, but that is just a guess. Are there any screws or parts that turn that have two holes in them on your rifle?
03-04-2020, 10:40 PM
Combloc

Yes but it doesn't appear to fit any of them.
03-04-2020, 10:46 PM
Hcompton79

Looks to be a spanner for removing the handguard band on the forend. Based on the nut and wingnut construction, it appears to be homemade. French soldiers were not supposed to mess with the handguard or gas system on the rifle as the tension of the band affects the bedding, which is why there is a special tool required to remove it.
03-04-2020, 10:54 PM
Combloc

I figured out ERM. It's the "Etablissement Regional du Materiel" in Poitiers. It was a refurbishment facility.

---------- Post added at 10:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hcompton79

Looks to be a spanner for removing the handguard band on the forend. Based on the nut and wingnut construction, it appears to be homemade. French soldiers were not supposed to mess with the handguard or gas system on the rifle as the tension of the band affects the bedding, which is why there is a special tool required to remove it.

That was my first guess as well but it's too large for that. I tried it on a 44, a 49 and a 56. It's also too large for the locking block retaining screw(s) on the sides of the receivers.