What did I buy?

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

Ordered some SMLE parts from Springfield Sporters and decided to spend an extra $3 to find out what they mean by a "Safety Thumb Piece Mk II Stamped". Unusually shaped lever marked "III"-I can't make out the small mark on the other side. Not threaded for a catch. The tag that was tied to it states "Bolt, Locking Mk.II. Rifles No.1" and a stock number BB 7933. A rare war time expedient or just junk?

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[Mk VII]

BB7931 is the flat spring that replaces the dumbbell spring on WW2 Australian rifles - could be the same origin.

[RJW NZ]

I once bought something odd like this and it was a safety from a smoke generator that used a smle action, maybe some other non rifle application?

[jmoore]

War time expedient. Have found one or two in rifles over the years. Declared "unsafe", I think, and removed from service. Keeps the rifle from firing but won't lock the bolt in position.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

Jmoore, did you see these on No.1 rifles?

[jmoore]

Aay-yup. Have one loose somewhere. Haven't looked for it in a while. Bin #?

[Mk VII]

One which I found a few months ago on a No.4 I was examining.