gunner handgrip MK-II/MK-II*

[Michael R.]

Does anyone have any detail on the original handgrip for the MK-II/MK-II* series?
Unlike the MK-I* that was a cast rubber-like compound with part numbers in the casting, the MK-II series appears to be a sewn leather cover.

Update: a member image brought forward from an earlier post. The carrier is a December, 1944 production month/year.

[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

[Colin Alford]

Upon further thought about the possibility of the wood being in two halves, maybe the wood was grooved to allow the leather seem to lay flush, and at the ferrule end ( smallest external diameter) this groove became a notch in the wood thereby explaining the apparent gap in the limited remains.

[Michael R.]

Good stuff, thanks for the replies.

I may disassemble the complete one to discover how it was constructed.
One day we may find the factory drawings? Until then...

[Mike Gurr]

Close up of the grab handle in my Carrier built March 1944

[Ron Pier]

Mike, is one of your rubbers easy to remove without damage? If so and you were prepared to lend me one, I could ask Jeff Hunter (The rubber man) to make me a pair.....or a small batch even.

I fashioned my current grips years ago from the wooden handles of an old pair of garden shears. Ron

[Tom Millward]

Hello Ron, if you’re going to make a batch, put me down for a pair for my Mk1*. I was going to use a pair of motor cycle grips, but if you’re looking to get some made that would be much better.

[Ron Pier]

OK Tom. I'll send a pic of yours to Jeff and see what he says. Ron

[Mike Gurr]

Ron, and anyone else interested. I am happy to loan a grip for the purposes of having copies moulded if I can get one off. Not sure if that will be easy of if they were moulded on to the metal and are stuck tight. I will be over at my Carrier again on Saturday and will see what I can do.

[Lynn Eades]

I have a MkI* left hand bracket which looks the same as yours. It is just plain steel tube, so I imagine a grip was just a push fit (rubber would be, like a bike) A rubber grip should be easy to remove, how ever 70 years changes all that. I image wood was glued. Glue plus 70 years =??? Leather has likely shrunk?? Paper=????
Good luck Mike.

[Michael R.]

I expect you will find they slip off readily.

Jordan Baker used to make copies, there are plenty out there.

[Lynn Eades]

So, with regards to getting a run made, are we talking rubber ones for a MkI*?
If so, I'm a starter for a pair, Ron, Mike.

[Ron Pier]

Mine is a MK2* and I'm now not sure what I should have? Ron

[Tom Millward]

Hi Ron, You have the same Mk of Carrier as Mike Gurr (Mk2*), and his seems to have been fitted with the Rubber grips from the factory. So the Rubber grips should work for everybody if you are able to get some made.

[Ron Pier]

Thanks Tom. But now my rubber guy has gone quiet/missing? It's very unlike him. I just hope he's safe. Ron

[Mike Gurr]

Got the grip off safely this weekend and have sent pictures and dimensions to Hunter Eng and await a reply. Will update all as/when/if a response is forthcoming.

[Ron Pier]

Jeff emailed me the other day about my initial inquiry with pictures about this.

He's a bit log jammed with work due to far more email orders than normal, because of not seeing his customers at jumbles.

He said he probably won't be able to do anything till the winter. Ron

[Mike Gurr]

Fair enough, at least I know I can get the grip off the handle in one piece now!

[Mike Gurr]

I have had a reply from Jeff Hunter with some costings. As Ron says he has a large back log so couldn't get to this till near the end of the year. I am happy to send him my grip and pay for the initial tooling and then to sell on pairs of grips at cost plus postage. They would work out at £40 pair plus the postage to where ever you are in the world. If I can get enough interest for 15 pairs that would allow me to break even. Please let me know on this post / by PM or email to register your interest. One thought is that my grips are '43 dated but I guess careful use of a hot knife could alter that for anyone with an earlier date vehicle or assume they were added later as replacements!

[Michael R.]

... good effort, good value !

I voted with my wallet.

[Lynn Eades]

Mike i have sent an email regarding a pair. Thank you.

[Ron Pier]

One pair for me Mike. I'll also confirm by email. Ron

[Mike Gurr]

Thank you to those who have already replied. I so far have interest in 8 pairs after just one day so highly likely we will be able to go ahead. I have replied to individuals but just for everyones information Jeff Hunter is well known here in the UK for making rubber parts for vintage motorcycles, Ron and I have both seen his products and they are good quality. Once the tooling has been made I will be sent one free sample so I will be able to post pictures and give you my opinion on quality before I would expect anyone to make any payment.

[rob love]

I would be in for a pair.
I would suggest having extras made up, as there will be guys querying this thread for years to come. Virtually everybody with a carrier project needs a pair.