Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful example of a rather rare rifle accessory from WWI. A breech cover was used to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the action of a rifle when it was being carried on a long and dusty march. The Lee Enfield breech cover was used from the First World War through to the Second and was a short cover that protected the bolt and magazine.
The Breech cover is fully described in the British LoC 17368, 24 June 1915, though British it was the same for the United States.
“the Cover is made of Double texture waterproof drill, and is fitted with 3 press studs on the left side of the rifle. Two eyelets are fitted in the cover for a lace which is knotted on the inside to retain it in position: The cover is attached to rifle by means of the lace as follows-
Rifles Short MLE– To the guard sling swivel, or through the swivel screw hole in the lugs on the trigger guard.”
A small piece of reinforcement is sewn into the cover where the bolt handle would sit to give this vulnerable area a little more durability. This is also the spot where most markings are located on British made examples. This one is marked directly below the reinforcement patch as:
WARD-STILSON
JULY, 1918
A.E.B. INSP.
ORD. DEPT. U.S.A.
The overall condition is quite solid and does not appear to have seen much use. There is wear present though it looks to have been made due to storage.
A lovely example ready to be displayed or even used.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
