Flanders mud flaps, post WW1 use.

[mrclark303]

Interesting stuff...

When I started this thread, it was to try to illuminate possible post WW1 use of the flaps.

We've moved on to adding some excellent reference material for a little known Enfield subject.

Identifying original examples, with clear images of repos is extremely useful for collectors and historians/ researchers.

Many thanks for all the input guys.

A side point re the flaps, I can certainly see an excellent use for them in the dusty conditions of the North African campaign.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Strangely Brown]

Apologies for the delay in posting these but my normal online album (Fototime) has disappeared following an internet outrage...whatever that is!

Attachment 118704Attachment 118705

Edited to add; I sold both the rifle & mud flap a few years ago, the mud flap appeared in an arms collecting magazine in a column called, "Smellie Bits" by the late Pete Bloom.

[mrclark303]

Thanks for adding to the examples Mick, much appreciated. We have a great repro and genuine selection in the thread now as reference, plus some excellent information. Invaluable for research.

[bigduke6]

Thanks for adding to the examples Mick, much appreciated. We have a great repro and genuine selection in the thread now as reference, plus some excellent information. Invaluable for research.

Anyone counted the spring coils ? also look close at Mick's, 5th Batt and Alan's springs the gauge of the wire, Like I mentioned in a previous post more beef to them. Not a dead cert to an original but maybe a starter.

[mrclark303]

I make it 23 on the originals Geoff, 28 on mine I think....

Certainly a thicker gauge wire used mate, another good indicator and top tip!

The thing that niggles me to a degree, is that people fake these up and pass them off as original .... I know, buyer beware and all that, but, I bought mine from a very well known and reputable UK dealer, who clearly gave me some made up snake oil bullsh*it to go with it for good measure!

Absolutely nothing wrong with a good repro, but when it's taken as far as mine, it's clearly meant to deceive.


Buyer beware I guess....

At £50, I've got a very good repro, that I'm more than happy with.

[Alan de Enfield]

I make it 23 on the originals Geoff, 28 on mine I think....

The 'problem' with discussing how to differentiate fakes / repros from originals is that we are telling the bad-guys to to make their fakes indistiguishable from the originals. Its a difficult balance to impart knowledge without giving away too much information.

I'll keep quiet on the wire diameter.


Mine is 22 1/2 coils on the spring. Who knows - maybe different manufacturers used slightly different springs ?

[bigduke6]

I'll keep quiet on the wire diameter.

Probably a good idea Alan, But I'm guessing the market has been flooded now so probably not cost effective for the makers and the so called "reputable" dealers that John mentions.

I bought a Mk3 commando knife from such a dealer that was a gift for someone, Considering the dealer had been dealing in Militaria for many years, his online description was pure fantasy compared to the item that arrived it was absolutely appalling not even worth the postage stamp.

Covid has certainly helped these dealers punt out the crap that they know if it was on a table at a military fair they would have more chance of winning the Lottery than selling it.

But back to the mud flaps, there is something else that would identify a fake, but answers on a postcard please or PM me for details. An interesting thread though, just wonder about production dates and numbers, plus after WW2 did most get scrapped ?

[Alan de Enfield]

Probably a good idea Alan, But I'm guessing the market has been flooded now so probably not cost effective for the makers and the so called "reputable" dealers that John mentions.

I bought a Mk3 commando knife from such a dealer that was a gift for someone, Considering the dealer had been dealing in Militaria for many years, his online description was pure fantasy compared to the item that arrived it was absolutely appalling not even worth the postage stamp.

Covid has certainly helped these dealers punt out the crap that they know if it was on a table at a military fair they would have more chance of winning the Lottery than selling it.

But back to the mud flaps, there is something else that would identify a fake, but answers on a postcard please or PM me for details. An interesting thread though, just wonder about production dates and numbers, plus after WW2 did most get scrapped ?

I cannot find the documents I thought I had, but I'm pretty sure they were made obsolescent (not obsolete) after WW1

Obsolescent - will continue in use but will not be replaced when broken (basically in the process of becoming obsolete)
Obsolete - remove at first opportunity, no longer used.