Flanders Flap

[Buccaneer]

The "Flanders Flap" was one of those little items that I always thought ranked alongside hens teeth for rarity value so I was somewhat supprised to find two for sale on ebay on the same day and by two seperate sellers. The alarm bells started to ring when I saw the pictures they both appeared to be new, one was described as "used" the other did not state a condition, neither of them was declared as a repro. One of them sold for £204.99 (approx $312) the other went for £67 (approx $102) ,I might be a bit of an old cynic but either one person has got a real bargin or they have both bought repro items and somone has paid a lot of money for a very new piece of steel

Information

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[browningautorifle]

It's not just those...it's every scarce item. I think as time goes on, all of us with a rare or scarce item that's original will be taking a chance that we'll be called humpers. Sad really.

[Badger]

For those newer collectors who may want more detail, check the MKL under this entry in the United Kingdom section......

1917 No.1 MkIII* Rifle (137 picture virtual tour ... click here)

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

The rifle shown in the virtual tour is correctly serial number matched and in addition, is equipped with a very rare Flanders Flap. This flap was designed to keep the mud out of the barrel, but was spring mounted so it could easily be opened, or flip out of the way if the soldier accidentally discharged his rifle without opening it.


(Click PIC to Enlarge)

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(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Regards,
Doug

[Brian B]

I only followed the one and the pictures were so dark I assumed there were no marks to be seen or photographed. I assumed (maybe incorrectly) that it was a repo. Interesting item that I would love to have.

Heres a link to the one auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lee-Enfield-...item232aadbf3e

Brian B

[WarPig1976]

The indent on the flap looks way larger then on the original. The spring looks off too not to mention the hinge is wrong also. IMHO somebody paid real money for a fake and a bad one at that...

[Badger]

Auction information and pics saved for posterity and future research ....

Regards,
Doug

Lee Enfield 303 Flanders Mud Flap | eBay

A scarce 303 Flanders Mud Flap for keeping the mud out of the barrel, specially made for the WW1 Smile


Lee Enfield 303 Flanders Mud Flap

Seller information charliesangel030818
Auction ended May 12, 2013 13:06:45 PDT
Winning bid: GBP 204.99
Approximately US $314.54
[ 22 bids ]

Attachment 43193Attachment 43194Attachment 43195

[ragman]

I sent & received several messages with the seller of the one that sold for £204.99. I asked about any markings and he said he nothing about anything military so didn't know what to look for. I questioned how it knew what it was called and how he knew it was a scarce piece and his reply was "Yes you are right I listed this as scarce but only because thats what I have been informed I didn't even have any idea what it was until I asked and this is what I was told it was but they didn't say anything about a name or anything so I'm sorry for my genuine ignorance to this item but only put it on here just to see if it would get any bids." I then asked how he obtained it and he said "I know you said I listed it under original in the listing but didn't even realise I had done that, as you can see I only just opened my account and not really sure what I am doing and still trying to find my way around ebay. I found this among my nanna's belongings, it belonged to my grandad who died many years ago and we are having a clear out as she is moving into a home but she doesn't remember where he got it from or how." So as you say, someone paid mucho money just for a piece of steel and, of course, a spring.....

[RobD]

Here's another one

[Peter Laidler]

Incredible picture RobD......

[muffett.2008]

That ones no good, it's missing the spring.