Lee EnfieldCombination Tool/Tool Implement Action No1 Mk 2 - Brand New "In Wrap" ????

[paulseamus]

I recently acquired two Lee Enfield combination tools.

That is to say "Tool Implement No1 Mk2".

Was surprised when they arrived brand new in wrap.

The label is printed

B2/BC3589
IMPLEMENT ACTION ME
No 1 Mk 2
METHOD 1C 1/62
QUANTITY 5 (WN)

Does the 1/62 indicate that these tools were still going into stores in 1962?

Is it unusual to find these tools in unused condition?

Below are some pictures.
Attachment 32217

Attachment 32216


I have tried to use engravers wax crayon to highlight the stamping. As the stamping is shallow, I have not been overly successful .

Attachment 32215

Can anyone guide me as to who made these tools and when?

Cheers


Paul

Information

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[trooper554877]

OMG I have to have one of those beauties!!! please paul please!!!

Nice item!
Cheers
Ned

[Peter Laidler]

Not having ever been an Ordnance Corps blanket stacker, I would think that these combination tools were simply re-packed and re-labelled in 1962. All parts and accessories (for rifles, they are usually called 'B2' items) are usually cross referenced against the main item. So that when the main item becomes obsolete, the accessories are culled as well.

Let me give you an example.......... Rifle, No1 is a B1 item and a lot of the accessories are B2 items. So when the No1 rifle is declared obsolete (not obsolescent remember, but obsolete - as in 'withdraw NOW'), the same applies to all of the odds and sods which will all be cross referenced. But as the No1 rifle wasn't declared obsolete until the mid 70's because some Cadet Forces still had it, the parts associated with it were still current and available. Some No1 parts, such as striker tools and stock bolt screwdriver bits etc etc were also crioss referenced to the No4 rifle, so you would still find some of these items dated 1911 still in the Ordnance system.

Same as the Bren Gun. Because Cadet Forces had the .303" guns, you could still find old .303 Bren CES items and accessories available.

The answer Paul is that these items were very probably stockpiled until the old No1 rifle was declared obsolete in the mid 70's. It was about this time that the MoD found that there were still about 300 or so in the Cadet system and they couldn't be converted to L60A1 DP status for several reasons and they didn't fit into the Cadet system, so the best thing to do was to do a final cull and declare them obsolete and replace with DP or standard No4 rifles. Even then, you'd be amazed at the amount of No1 spare parts were still available from Ordnance Stores.

There, a bit about the Ordnance system. Mind you, the Ordnance blanket stackers always seemed to me to treat the stores as their own as though they'd paid for them privately out of their pocket money. While I and everyone else, like Tankie and Skippy, did our utmost to rip them off and mess their accounts about with nifty bookwork and dodgy paper trails...............

[paulseamus]

Peter

Thanks for your explanation.

Unused stock re-packaged in 1962 rather than resupplied and No1 rifles not obsolete until the 70's

It just seemed inconceivable to source new stock of a tool for an obsolete rifle. Now it it makes sense.

Thanks again.

Paul

[paulseamus]

Ned

Gee whiz. i just get a new toy and you want it.

It's not like you have ever given me any of your toys......hold on..

- a beautiful 1955 No4 Mk2
- No 4 firing pin removal tool
- No 4 barrel breaching tool
- 100's of rounds of 303 hand loads
- countless hours of coaching on the mound so that I hit something
- sling clips
- guidance on handloading
- plus lots, lots more...

Hmmm, come to think of it......................can I keep one?


Paul

[trooper554877]

Na don't really need one, just pulling your leg.
I am waiting for something bigger!!!

cheers
Ned

[muffett.2008]

Ned's just a bit peeved at being classed as a blanket counter.......you were'nt were you Ned?

[Son]

nah, he failed the test... got to ten and then couldn't undo his boot laces

[Bindi2]

West Aussie Light Horse ready if you need help Ned. (sure you dont but if wanted just call)

[trooper554877]

Ned's just a bit peeved at being classed as a blanket counter.......you were'nt were you Ned?

now that I have finished choking and nearly dying I will take the bait and say I was no blanket counter!!
how does a paratrooper sound first time round, then recon cav LAV?
blanket counter indeed!!! god the indignation of it all!!
Son is right, can only count to ten, got no toes left!

cheers
Ned
What does the west aussie light horse have to offer bindi?