What did you do during the great corona virus lock down granddad?

[Roger Payne]

Why, I counted No4 foresight blades.........didn't everyone?!?

Actually a serious question here............in amongst the thousands of split dovetail 015 & 030 blades there was a few of assorted other sizes, which I sorted out for future possible use. (Yes, I've been through THE LOT). But there was also a fair number of the blades shown in the photo's that look rather like SMLE blades, but with rounded edges to the base. All are marked VSM M. I presume that's Vickers Son & Maxim, though not sure what the second M is (for use on the 'Maxim' ? 'Medium' ?). There is also a number on the underside of each blade, which could be a size (or maybe a lot number?), but which does not correspond to SMLE blade sizes. I haven't yet checked to see if the dovetail size is the same as for an Enfield, but it looks either the same or very close.

I imagine someone out there will know precisely what they're for.....? If so please do let us know......

Sorry, they're filthy dirty, hence so are my hands.

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[Warren]

They are off a Vickers MMG.
Could you toss one or two into the next package??
Finally got the picture to transfer here!!!

Attachment 106923

[Roger Payne]

Hi Warren. The Vickers did cross my mind, especially with the manufacturer's mark. Many thanks. Yes, I only have about a hundred of them so I can spare you a couple.....!

[browningautorifle]

Looks like they need a dip into the Muriatic acid for a while...clean those right up and likely turn them black again too.

[BurtonP]

I think I can compete with the absurdity here. During the great Corona lockdown I am hand carving a blunderbuss stock out of a block of Walnut. Why? Because I need one for a project, and I suddenly have the time. I'll post pics if anyone is interested.

[Roger Payne]

I'd be interested to see it.

[BurtonP]

I won't hijack this thread, so I'll start another one.

[Surpmil]

A large ultrasonic cleaner on your Christmas list Roger! One needs to have a retired oven or a woodstove nearby to dry the stuff promptly when it comes out of the hot water rinse. And an extraction hood over the cleaner. Well worth the trouble of setting up.

[Havenot]

Keep looking and maybe you will find a bucket full of #3 bolt-heads to sort and clean?

[mrclark303]

What did I do......