Who made this tripod?

[bentwrench]

Here is my Bren Tripod. All I can say is that it is a MK2.

I think the tripod and T&E are dated 1942. The traverse stops are a bit different than what I have seen before.

Who made this one?

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Information

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[tankhunter]

The Traverse stops are the simplified MK.2 Variants.

The MK.I's were a crosshead 'Tap' like clamping handle. Either is correct when fitted really. as the manufacturer fitted whatever parts were in his Factory at the time. Remember, these were produced during Wartime. A LOT of differing light Engineering firms. Made different weapon components for ALL SORTS of differing types of weapons & Equipment.

The dispersal of these Firms all over the UK. Ensured that if one particular company's premises were Bombed & put out of action. Another could continue production, or switch what it was making. To produce parts/ components that were of a higher priority.

We would need to see any other markings/ stamps on the tripod to see if there are any clue's as to who originally made it in 1942.

[bentwrench]

I will need to clean it up and look for more markings, I see that most of the serial numbers start with a letter. This one is not so. I will report back when I find some more markings.

[Brit plumber]

It's a BSA MK2, the number is I540 rather than 1540. I suspect it started life as a Mk1* as I've records of later serialised tripods being Mk1* and the earliest Mk2 being I5174.

[bentwrench]

Interesting, that would explain why the holes were drilled on the other side for the clips used to store buttstock grip handle.

Refresh me if you would... MK1, AA capable with cut slot for SMLE rifle, MK1* omitted the slot for the SMLE, and MK2 omitted the AA capability?

[Brit plumber]

Yep, pretty much there but in addition the Mk1* had a front adjustable leg without the AA adapter. These legs can be found in various stages from, AA adapter just removed to never machined for the adapter. The Mk1* is basically an intermediate Tripod between Mk1 and 2 with about 8000 produced (From what I can gather from serial numbers).

[Kev G]

The traverse stops on your tripod are MKI's not MK2's as has been suggested.



ATB KG

[Peter Laidler]

Always worth remembering that in service, there was always a degree of what we called mix-and-match to keep equipment serviceable. It was a rule of thumb that this mix and match was acceptable/permissable UNLESS the bible said otherwise. One example is that we weren't allowed to mix and match Mk/type of barrels.

[bentwrench]

I get the mix and match thing. Common with US equipment as well. The M1 Carbines were a good example of collective manufacturing effort.

With the tripods there is not much information out there ( not much I could find anyways). Dugelby's book has but a mention of them. I understand these were almost never used in combat and are just a novelty today. They are extremely hard to find now a days in the US, I am quite happy I was able to make a trade for this one.

Thanks for the information all, the only thing I thought I knew (that it was a MK2 variant) turned out to be wrong....

One more question, What type of webbing was used to carry these? I have seen some with crossed straps, and some that look like just a pair of rifle slings.

[Peter Laidler]

I have heard of sling thinggies to carry these but in service I never ever heard of or saw such a beast. Saw hundreds of the tripods though but never a sling. The tripod wasn't the sort of thing used by a section on the move or advance so a sling would be redundant in any case. It was used in the defensive role really or in the OHF role. THey were all stored in an old hangar at the end of the vehicle sheds or under the raised firing point of out 25 metre range. Out of sight, out of mind!