German muzzle protector for Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle : Corporal G Binns, AIF

Place Europe: Western Front
Accession Number REL29300
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Steel
Maker Unknown
Place made Germany
Date made c 1914-1918
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

German rifle muzzle protector for a Mauser Gewehr 98. The protector, which is made of tool steel, is a 29 mm long 16 mm cylinder with a hinged cap, designed to slide over the rifle muzzle. A bracket from the top of the cylinder retains it in place by fitting over the top of the rifle's foresight. A paper label accompanying the item inaccurately describes it as 'FORESIGHT PROTECTOR FOR FRENCH RIFLE'.

History / Summary

Collected as a souvenir by Corporal Gordon Binns, AIF. This device was intended to keep the rifle barrel clear of the mud and moisture associated with trench warfare. A bolt cover for the same purpose was also produced.