*British, WWI, c.1916, SMLE Wire Cutter No.I MkI, by Decimals Ltd*
This exceedingly rare wire cutter is designed for attachment to the muzzle end of a Short Magazine Lee Enfield Rifle (S.M.L.E.) using an integrated clamp on the right side. The two broad “jaws” stand vertically to guide barbed wire into the cutting edges. Upon engagement, the Infantryman lowers the muzzle to the ground, automatically closing the cutters and effectively severing the wire.
The markings are amazingly still discernable (just about) – Marked: “DECIMALS LTD., SELLY OAK, ENGLAND, 1916”. The 1916 is particularly hard to read but the markings correlate to those of “No 1, Mark 1” – issued from 1916.
During the First World War, both sides extensively employed barb and razor wire, pivotal in the shift from mobile warfare to trench warfare. Barb wire, resilient against artillery, easily deployable, and replaceable, provided a cost-effective means to establish defense in depth. Initially, hopes were pinned on artillery bombardment for wire cutting, but the inefficiency of this method led to the necessity of wire cutting parties who would either precede or accompany attacks and would cut breaches in the enemy’s wire.
In 1916, the British Army developed a device enabling individual soldiers to cut wire independently. Crafted from stamped steel, this device could be attached to the standard-issue Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle, just behind the front sight, using a loop and wingnut. Produced by Decimals Ltd. in Selly Oak near Birmingham, and later by C.H. Pugh Ltd, Birmingham, this cutter played a crucial role in the evolving tactics of trench warfare.
*Condition*
This is a very rare piece of history. It is not in useable condition and looks like it definitely saw some front line action. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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