WW1 British BEF SMLE Oiler

The WW1 British BEF SMLE Oiler is a period accessory issued to British soldiers equipped with the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle during the First World War. Designed for practical maintenance in the field, the oiler is a small, cylindrical metal container intended to carry rifle oil. Its compact size allows it to fit securely inside the butt trap of the SMLE rifle, making it easily accessible for cleaning and lubrication. These oilers typically feature a screw or press-fit cap and an attached applicator, enabling soldiers to apply oil precisely to moving parts. The oiler was standard equipment for troops in the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) during the early years of the conflict and remained in use throughout the war. Constructed from brass or steel, these items often bear manufacturer or inspector markings. The WW1 British BEF SMLE Oiler represents a functional component of the British military’s personal kit during the Great War.