1952 Enfield Muzzle Cover
Australian canvas muzzle cover for Lee Enfield rifles, marked D↑D, AA 0404 and MTX 1952.
Images
Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Melbourne Textiles ("MTX") for Australian Army stores (code AA 0404) |
| Model | Canvas muzzle cover for Lee Enfield rifles |
| Year | 1952 |
| Caliber | Accessory for .303 British service rifles (No. 1 Mk III, No. 4 Mk I, No. 5 Mk I) |
| Configuration | Green canvas cover with two brass reinforced eyelets for closure |
| Serial Number | Not serialized |
| Markings | D↑D Australian Department of Defence property mark, AA 0404 manufacturer code, MTX maker mark, date 1952, and rifle type line "No 1 Mk III". |
Historical Summary
This canvas muzzle cover was produced for the postwar Australian Army in 1952. It follows the wartime pattern used on the Lee Enfield No. 1 Mk III, No. 4 Mk I and No. 5 Mk I rifles, and was sometimes fitted to Bren gun barrels as well. The cover slips over the muzzle and is secured by a cord or elastic run through the two brass eyelets. Its job was to keep dust, mud and moisture out of the bore during transport, guard duty and field movement, while still allowing the rifle to be brought into action very quickly.
Production of these covers continued into the 1950s and 1960s so that reserve units and Commonwealth garrisons could keep older Enfield rifles in service with proper protective accessories. The D↑D property stamp and AA 0404 MTX 1952 marking group the piece with other Australian made postwar canvas equipment.
Collector Notes
For collectors, the most important features on this pattern are clear ink markings, intact stitching around the eyelets and canvas that has not been cut down or reworked. Markings that show the full D↑D property stamp, AA 0404 manufacturer code, MTX maker mark and a legible date are especially desirable, since many covers were heavily used and the ink often fades.
This type of muzzle cover is a simple but useful addition to any Lee Enfield display, and it is correct for both late Second World War representation and early Cold War service with Australian and Commonwealth forces.
Provenance
- Postwar Australian production example released from surplus stocks; specific unit history unknown.
- Retained by the present collector as part of an Enfield accessories group.
- Documented in a dedicated information sheet for reference and display use.
Downloads
- 1952 Enfield Muzzle Cover Information Sheet (DOCX)