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PRC148
12-29-2013, 08:16
Does anyone have photos or descriptions of the envelopes or how the parts were packaged in the chest?

I have a beautiful M1917 Arm Repair Chest with the large tin and both versions of the parts list in mint condition. I'd like to slowly refill this chest but the 6 sperm oil tins will be nearly impossible to find. For now, I can start with the small parts. I have partial pictures of the part envelopes but I can't make out the text/font or size of the envelopes. Ferris has a small b&w photo but not much detail about the contents. Also, any leads into finding a front site adjustment tool, anvil and saw would be apprciated.
Thanks

JBinIll
12-29-2013, 10:14
The contents of the chest are listed in the Description and Rules for the Management of the United States Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1917.

Note:The vise listed as 125 pounds is a printing error.Should read 1.25 pounds.The anvil listed is I believe a 17 1/2 pound blacksmiths pattern anvil.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/bayonetman/Guns/IMG2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/bayonetman/Guns/IMG3.jpg

PRC148
12-29-2013, 11:31
thanks for the into. I was hoping to find a more detailed idea of what the envelopes looked like so I could begin stuffing some. That is until I found this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ARM-REPAIR-CHEST-M17-FOR-US-M17-RIFLES-M1917-Enfield-Armorer-Chest-with-Parts-/331054886950?nma=true&si=bEnTg5lmfJpN8DctEgc8JgEFL2s%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557#ht_101wt_1135

Just missed it and guess my search didn't pull it up. I'm guessing they are real but difficult to be sure. Some items are obviously out of place per inventory but what a price just for those parts! As for the anvil, I'm guessing it looks like the "anvil and block" as in the above kit vice a real anvil. I'm away from my books but I'm sure that's it. Numerich sells reproduction anvils for the 1903.

By the way, I'm still trying to post photos here but can only post links. Operator error obviously. Any help?

JBinIll
12-29-2013, 11:49
Those envelopes look like common manila envelopes,they come in all sizes.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.XManil la+coin+envelopes&_nkw=Manilla+coin+envelopes&_sacat=0&_from=R40


A lot of those tools are commercial tools purchased by bid by the Ordnance Dept.Like this one.Lot of fakes out there stamped with the Ordnance bomb.

This is a better quality than normally found in terms of materials and number of pieces.A rosewood handled Millers Falls-

1 handle tool,containing ten tools-

http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p529/OldGussie/IMG_3989.jpg

JBinIll
12-29-2013, 11:52
"By the way, I'm still trying to post photos here but can only post links. Operator error obviously. Any help?"

You have to use a hosting sight like photo bucket.Click on the picture frame icon and paste the link in.

JBinIll
12-29-2013, 01:07
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p529/OldGussie/post-5-1194367728.jpg

PRC148
12-29-2013, 01:11
Thats a nice tool set. I'm going to pull out my 1900's L.C. Smith type writer and try a few envelopes. As for the photos, I'll try again. After further photo analysis, the 2013 fleabay auction photos are the same from the older 2008 or 2010 auction photos I have. Interesting.

Let the sperm oil and cosmic can hunt begin.

PRC148
01-09-2014, 04:31
I' ve been busy with quite a bit of help from others. This is the update .

http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=125870

glindes
01-11-2014, 05:47
Be careful with the whale oil; it turns rancid. We had whale oil lams when I was a kid. It's findable.

PRC148
03-13-2014, 05:37
More pictures and info updates on the CMP link. Found a Sperm oil tin and some documents.

PRC148
03-30-2014, 01:36
I've updated the below link: a photo of the most complete chest I've seen thus far:

http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?p=1053316#post1053316

5MadFarmers
03-31-2014, 10:12
Most of the parts are marked "Ord Dept."

The saw is mounted on the underside of the lid. I've managed to find a complete saw with handle and another handle mounting the wrong blade. I took a free saw from Menards for the blade. I found the handle with the wrong blade first so may not complete that effort.

The screwdriver with the multiple bits is also out there - found that. The Sperm Oil cans I've not found. The envelops I have - they were in the chest I found.

PRC148
04-02-2014, 11:04
Sir: thank you for the insight and information. I'm always looking for new information/photos of the 1917 chest, especially items (the saw) which I have nothing on as of yet. If you can, please post or PM photos or information that you have of anything. I'm still compiling and collecting for not only my personal chest but to hopefully help out others along the way. Even information/sizes/text on your envelopes would help (I'm still missing 3x), including what the "Ord. Dept." marking/stamp may look like on the tools. I just found the multiple bit tool but haven't added the photos yet.