scarce rifle barbed wire cutter F/S on eBay

[Warren]

There are repro's out there but the metal is much thinner.
You can easily tell the repro's that were made several years ago by the very thin gauge of metal in that you can actually bend the tip of the cutter by hand with little effort.
Not sure anyone is making the breakers yet, but it will be soon.
Attachment 49665

[CINDERS]

Another scarce item commanding a good price now day's is an original "Flanders Flap" see pics from a post Jim did earlier

[Badger]

Another scarce item commanding a good price now day's is an original "Flanders Flap" see pics from a post Jim did earlier

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)

(Click PIC to Enlarge)


(Click PIC to Enlarge)


(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Regards,
Doug

[rayg]

Neat little item and probably quite welcomed in the muddy trenches. I understand they make repros of those also, Ray

[Alan de Enfield]

There are already repro 'Flanders Flaps' available. They are clearly marked with the makers names (but if you didnt know they were not an original maker then you could buy one in error). They are sold as Reproductions but on the secondary market they might not be.

Buyer beware.




The sellers ebay advert :

SMLE Cover "The Flanders Mud Flap" FF.01
A museum quality replica of this 1915 classic designed to keep water and mud out of the barrel
Copied from an original in every way with the exception of a couple of minor differences to prevent them from being sold as original.
Firstly we have stamped them with the makers name J&P (Jay & Paul) The originals did not have a makers name. Secondly we have finished them in a hard wearing matt black powder coat instead of the blackened oil finish of the originals. None of these changes detract the item from being ideal for re-enactors or as a perfect utility for any SMLE owner.
Our example will fit the majority, but should yours not fit correctly you will have to file a little off each end of the stabilising lug which fits into the foresight slot. See Picture
Insured and Recorded Postage will be:
£3.00 UK
£6.50 Europe
£7.50 World
I will combine shipping on multiple orders

[rayg]

Just took another look at this photo and the one with the rifle with the cutter looks to be loaded down with equipment. Are those two bayonet scabbards or something else on his left side? Also looks like he has a full extra bag hanging behind him. Ray
Attachment 49696

[gsimmons]

It's the helve for his entrenching tool. It wasn't until later that the helve was attached to the e-tool carrier.

[Bathurst72]

These ones are marked JP LTD BIRMINGHAM ENGLAND 1917.

Are they repos or originals????

cheers

steve

[Alan de Enfield]

These ones are marked JP LTD BIRMINGHAM ENGLAND 1917.

Are they repos or originals????

cheers

steve

See post #15
Are they powder coated or oil blacked ?

I didnt think JP put a place & date on their Repros

[Bathurst72]

They are rusty looking things. I have the wire cutters and they don't have the J&P, but JP LTD. I have taken the split pin out and had a look under the wheel bit, much cleaner under there, a little too clean, considering the rusty outside. They are not powdercoated, look oil blackened.

just don't want to have been ripped off for what I paid.

Steve

See post #15
Are they powder coated or oil blacked ?

I didnt think JP put a place & date on their Repros