Breech cover loop???

[Ed42]

I have a 1917 BSA No.1 Mark III* that has what looks like two loops for a sling swivel instead of the small wire loop commonly seen to attach the canvas breech cover. The two loops are pretty substantial. What is it for? Thanks.

Information

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[green]

Attaching a sling swivel. Some regiments, Rifles for example, carried the sling attached to the trigger guard and nosecap. Tg swivel deleted in 1916 about same time as MkIII* rifle introduced.

[Ed42]

Thanks!! So would it odd for a 1917 III* to have one?

[mrclark303]

Its one of those oddities that seem to be encountered on 1917 Rifles.

Not uncommon to see a variety of earlier components on rifles of that year as production was running at full tilt and all the stops were pulled out to keep production moving.

Add to this, these parts could also have been fitted anytime during the 100 years since manufactue....

[Ed42]

Thanks for the info. Cheers.

[Roy]

All the 1917-18 LSA, EFD and BSA SMLE's in NZ seem to have the sling swivel lugs, However SSA and NRF ones seem to have the cover loop. from what I have observed.

[5thBatt]

All the 1917-18 LSA, EFD and BSA SMLE's in NZ seem to have the sling swivel lugs, However SSA and NRF ones seem to have the cover loop. from what I have observed.

Exactly what i have also observed over the years & have in my collection.

[mrclark303]

Exactly what i have also observed over the years & have in my collection.

Same as my 1917 NZ SMLE, pics here...

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=58526

[Ed42]

Great. Thank you all.

[Ed42]

Wow. Thanks for the pictures mrclark303!!! I've been over every inch of mine and it is not NZ marked that I found but I guess others could have kept their sling swivel lugs too??