Lee-Enfield Oilers of Israel
Photo notes: Exploded diagram from a RIFLE – SMALL ARMS TRAINING manual published in Haifa, Israel in 1939 intended for members of the Notrim [1], a police force set up by the British in the Mandate of Palestine (1920-1948).
Israel
The modern State of Israel (founded 1948), was no stranger to the Lee-Enfield rifle. During World War II (1939-1945) the Jewish Brigade [1], about 30,000 Palestine Jewish volunteers, fought under British Army command.
All the Israeli-identified oilers we have seen have been Mk V (non-brass) and appear to be modern manufacture.
LEE-ENFIELD OILERS OF ISRAEL
NOTES ON HEBREW MARKINGS Characters are read right-to left. The top line (left) is a common abbreviation for Israeli Defense Force (IDF).
The bottom line is Hebrew for Israeli Defense Force (IDF) |
ISRAELI LEE-ENFIELD OILER - TYPE ONE Mk V (non-brass/plastic) Lee-Enfield type oiler. The body of the oiler is slightly tapered from cap to base. The edges of the base are beveled. All markings are on the base. The numbers 2800-5011 appear; meaning unknown.
Manufacturer unknown. |
ISRAELI LEE-ENFIELD OILER - TYPE TWO Mk V (non-brass/plastic) Lee-Enfield type oiler. The body of the oiler is slightly tapered from cap to base. The edges of the base are beveled. All markings are on the base. The numbers 2800-5011 appear; meaning unknown.
Manufacturer unknown. Differs from Type One (above) by having only a single Hebrew character on the base – the abbreviation for IDF. |
Page Notes & Sources
[1] Wikipedia: Jewish Brigade https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Brigade