Bren Lubricants

[tj214]

Hey Flying

I currently have two wallets, both marked:

WALLET, SPARE PARTS, BREN .303 in M.G. MK. 1

The first one I bought was absolutely filthy when it arrived, so I cleaned it up to where it's fairly presentable (I'll share my lessons if anybody is interested). I can't read most of the third line. If it had manufacturer's marks and a date, they've disappeared with time and no vestige remains, although it does retain the broad arrow stamp.

Attachment 100616

My second wallet was manufactured by B.S.L. Co. 1943 (might be 1949). This wallet arrived here in near-new condition. Obviously both have the same pocket configuration; only the fasteners vary.


Attachment 100614

Neither has the modification for the cleaning rods, as seen in this pic I just pulled off eBay.co.uk.

Attachment 100615

I also own two Bren carryalls. The first one received appeared to be unissued, but stank (and still stinks) to high heaven--the worst smell I've ever encountered from a fabric item. I tried all the internet commandos' suggestions for removing odor, and the damned thing just laughed at me. It's still laughing.

Anyway, it's canvas & webbing, possibly Canadian?, and marked with the broad arrow and 1944. The manufacturer name stamp is very faded and hard to read, but may say Z.I & T. Co. (??). The muzzle end base is hard leather and it has leather stiffeners that run the entire length of the interior front and back.

Attachment 100617

My second carryall was in good shape but dirty when received, but cleaned up easily and has no odor. It's marked with the broad arrow and M.E. Co. 1943. The muzzle end is standard webbing fabric, as are the interior full-length stiffeners.

Attachment 100618

On a completely different note, I received today from TheGunner.co.uk a used but very nice "Bren & Besa Mk 1* Gasbore Mop." It cleaned up beautifully and is now bright white and looks brand new. I can post the simple cleaning process if anybody's interested.