gunner handgrip MK-II/MK-II*

[Mike Gurr]

My Canadian No2 MK II* (March 1944) which I believe still has all the original parts has black rubber moulded grips to these handles. They are marked FMCo. Sorry the pictures are not great but I can provide better close ups when next near the Carrier if required.

[Michael R.]

thanks Mike.

The parts book shows the MK-II* with an alternate part number to the MK-I* grips. The late production MK-II* in the museum in ( Norway?) pictured on MLU shows the later style. As your carrier is early, I wonder if there was a change over date. Assumptions bias with respect to originality without prejudice.

[Petr Brezina]

Just for reference, british Mk.II/IIIs had rolled paper on the steel pipe only.

[Lynn Eades]

How long did that last Petr???
Is the leather / rubber thing a rubber shortage thing?
I have Army Council Instructions that ordered the return of erasers from worn out pencils, for re cycling.

[Petr Brezina]

Untill today I guess
Here is one pic for reference. Right one is original, left new copy.

[Lynn Eades]

Great detail. Thankyou Petr.

[Colin Alford]

MichaelR,

If these images show the remains of a late Canadian handgrip then it appears that the construction is a leather wrap over a wood core.

On the pictured item, it appears that the metal ring is actually two pieces (an inner and outer ring) which may clamp the bottom edge of the leather.

The wood portion might be in two halves as there are two gaps in the remains which are 180 degrees apart.

Colin