WW1 British BEF SMLE Oiler

The WW1 British BEF SMLE Oiler is an original military accessory issued to soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Designed for use with the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, the oiler provided a compact and reliable means to transport cleaning oil for firearm maintenance in the field. Typically constructed of brass or steel, this item features a cylindrical form with a screw-top lid for secure storage and dispensing. The oiler would have fit neatly into the butt trap compartment of the SMLE rifle stock, ensuring it was readily available for use. Markings, when present, may indicate the manufacturer or a broad arrow acceptance mark, denoting British military issue. Such oilers were considered essential for preserving the functionality and longevity of service rifles under challenging trench warfare conditions. This example is representative of standard issue equipment carried by British infantry throughout WW1.