Brass Bottle ID - Broad arrow marking

[Wayne Hingley]

I found this small brass bottle that my father had saved. Not sure exactly what it was designed for. Looks like an oil bottle, and has a small spoon attached to the lid. Can anyone identify this?

[Wayne Hingley]

I found similar bottles on line that are identified as Lee Enfield .303 oil bottles.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

It's the oil bottle that goes in the butt of Lee Enfield rifles.

[Wayne Hingley]

Thanks for the confirmation Bruce. Much appreciated.

[rob love]

In WW2 they started making them out of synthetic materials like bakelite and clear plastic in order to conserve brass. The same pattern of oil bottle (although by this time they were the synthetic materials) were issued for the FN and the Inglis hipower. They are still in CF inventory today, but doubtful you would find any brass ones.



There are a myriad of maker's marks, and as such, you will have collectors of just the oil bottles. These days, it is not uncommon to see prices of $25 and up for them.

[Wayne Hingley]

Good info Rob. Sounds like this will be a nice addition to my No1 Mk3.
Did the synthetic & bakelite versions have a spoon or brush attached to the lid?

[rob love]

The synthetic ones also had the spoon.

A lot of the synthetic ones from Canadian service can be found with the PH (Parker hale) markings on them. They generally come in brown or black. The clear ones are usually found cracked.