The Bren Gun Spare Parts Wallet is a holdall with four internal pockets for organising and carrying small, easily lost, spare parts for the Bren Gun. It also holds equipment for cleaning the gun in the field.
During World War II, the wallet was typically carried by the No. 1. gunner (the man on the trigger), for which it features an adjustable shoulder strap. When not carried by by the No. 1 gunner, the wallet could be carried in the large pocket on the Bren Gun spare barrel bag (not on display), which was carried by the No. 2 gunner (who spotted targets for No. 1, replaced empty magazines, and changed barrels).
Contents of the Displayed Wallet
- Spare Parts Box: A small, rectangular, metal box for crucial spare parts. The box on display now contains only a ruptured case extractor, for removing damaged casings from the breech. Historically, the box also would hold a: firing pin, firing pin spring, extractor, extractor spring, extractor stay, and wire gauze for cleaning stubborn carbon buildup.
- Oil Bottle: A rectangular emerald green, plastic bottle, with a screw-top cap and applicator brush.
- Cleaning Equipment:
- Pull-through (a weighted cord with a loop at one end)
- Flannelette patches (for pulling through the barrel to clean the bore)
- Combination Tool: For conducting field repairs to the gun. The tool could be used for: disassembly, adjusting the gas regulator valve, and manipulating the main spring. Note, This tool is displayed separately, on top of the Bren Gun chest. See Bren Gun Combination Tool.
