These are original transverse nosecap screws 'No2' or 'large head' pattern, for SMLE Rifles No1 MkIII & III*.

These screws were the type fitted to SMLE nosecaps after 1920. The screw head of these stands proud of the left side of the nosecap when fully screwed home. These were announced in the List of Changes to be fitted as standard after late 1920 or early 1921 when they superceeded the earlier flush headed type of transverse screw for all future new manufactured rifles. At this time these screws were designated 'Screws, Transverse No2' and the earlier type became  'No1'. In service rifles were not necessarily modified by replacing the earlier screws with these later pattern ones, but should the screw become unservicable the later type would be fitted as a replacement. The reason for the change has been quoted variously that these screws were for attaching a muzzle cover or that the larger screw made it easier for the user to remove it so that the muzzle cap could be removed to make it easier to adjust or change the foresight blade. These screws do make the fitting of the sheet steel 'Flanders Flap' type of muzzle cover a lot easier and so it is likely that they were introduced for this purpose as early as 1915 (see elsewhere in this section for reproduction Flanders Flaps) and only officially announced after WW1 when paperwork was being tidied up.

These screws are in excellent condition, most being in new and unissued condition, although as with many SMLE components the finish varies greatly from one to the next dependent on when they were made and by who.

Unit of sale 1 screw.

British Army Part No BB0729.

Stock No EFDSMLESP18.