Enfield Trivia

[LurpyGeek]

Okay, folks. Trivia question for you. I hadn't seen this before and I thought it was fascinating. Maybe someone here already knows.

What is the purpose of the contraption rigged up on this Enfield?

[tranteruk]

I have never seen anything like it before, but my best guess is a self timer, like on a camera. Possibly the bottom pot fills at a steady rate from the top one, after a certain weight the trigger is pulled somehow. The rifle seems secured in some way. Very odd.

Why? No idea.

Incidentaly, its a very early SMLE, maybe 1910/14. See the long distance sights for volley or beaten zone fire. The flip up rear peep (above the trigger, below the steel) and the long range tanget sight on the side of the stock, midway along, just forward of the rear sight.

[charlie ts]

I'm with you Tranter, looks like a "nasty booby trap,come sniper thingy".

[tranteruk]

Originally Posted by charlie ts

I'm with you Tranter, looks like a "nasty booby trap,come sniper thingy".

Interesting Charlie, booby trap was my first thought, but it's way to complicated for that. All you would need, given the early time frame, would be a supported gun and some wire. Very ineffective use of a magazine rife anyway.

[charlie ts]

Originally Posted by tranteruk

Interesting Charlie, booby trap was my first thought, but it's way to complicated for that. All you would need, given the early time frame, would be a supported gun and some wire. Very ineffective use of a magazine rife anyway.

You are missing the point, those tins are full off very hot water!, thats the booby trap, the enfield is just there to rest the tins on.....

[charlie ts]

It could be a device to warn you of rain! , when it rains, the tins fill up, pulling the trigger..."BOOM", you wake up and bring in the cloths on the washing line. ......I'm to smart for this forum...

[tranteruk]

Charlie, your knowledge never ceases to amaze me..

[LurpyGeek]

Okay, I'll give you the answer.

Very good, Tranter! It is indeed a contraption rigged up as a delayed firing mechanism. The only required parts are really two pots and some string. The top pot is filled with water and the water is allowed to dribble very slowly down the string into the lower pot. The lower pot is connected to the trigger so that when its weight reaches a certain point, the rifle fires.

It was used by the ANZAC forces at Gallipoli (WWI) to make the Turkish forces think they were still in the trenches while they were retreating (sporadic shots).

[tranteruk]

Nice one Lurpy, thanks for that.

[LurpyGeek]

Glad you enjoyed it. I found it interesting and thought I'd share it with others who think likewise.