British RSMLE Balance Spring & Tool Combination: Mk. I

Original Item: The Balance, Spring, RSMLE, And Tool, Combination, Mk. I, was issued to unit armorers to weigh various spring strengths and the bolt opening resistance for the Rifle, Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield.  The tool also featured a bullet-shaped point for aligning screw holes and a flat scoop-shaped tool for removing the rear hand guard on the SMLE rifle.  [See Ian Skennerton, SAIS No. 14, page 30.]  The scales were manufactured by George Salter and Co. Ltd., West Bromwich, England, and are marked with the interesting Salter logo.  The War Department Broad Arrow mark is also present, although in some cases partially.  FEW ONLY.