This is a leather case used for carrying spare parts and accessories for the M1918 browning Automatic Rifle used during WWI and WWII. The leather boxes were usually carried in one of the pockets of the BAR ammunition belt, but were occasionally fitted with the M1910 belt hook or sewn on belt loops. The official list of items to be carried in the leather case were: 1 fabric container, large, for these spare parts; 1 extractor, 1 extractor spring, 2 firing pins, 1 sear spring, 1 connector, 1 magazine catch spring, 1 gas cylinder tube retaining pin, 1 trigger guard retaining pin, 1 fabric container, small, for these parts; 1 recoil spring, 1 combination tool, 1 thong cleaner, 1 oil can, MkII, 1 gas cylinder cleaning tool, 1 ruptured cartridge extractor, MkII. That's a lot of stuff for this little box! The leather case measures 5 1/4" wide, 3 1/2" tall and 2" deep. This one has seen a ton of use! At one time it had the M1910 belt hook installed on the back, but it is no longer with the case. The russet brown leather shows considerable wear overall. The stitching is still very strong except for the right side of the case, where the ear is. That piece is hanging on by a stitch or two. The leather closure tab is almost broken , but still hanging in there. The inside of the case is stamped, but it is very faint. After careful research and study it reads "S.F. CO. 5-42". There is no doubt that this small leather case saw service during WWII, most likely carried by a Marine BAR gunner. Worn and battered, this will still compliment your BAR display.

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