Description
U.S. M1918A2 BAR Gas-Cylinder Cleaning Tool, P/N C-5564144
Item Overview
This U.S. Army gas-cylinder cleaning tool was issued for the .30-caliber Browning Automatic Rifle M1918A2. Its shaped cutters and drift helped soldiers remove hard carbon deposits from the rifle’s gas-operated system. The tool is a non-explosive maintenance item and is not ammunition or an internal firearm component.
Identification and Features
The original wrapper identifies this item as “TOOL, CLEANING, GAS CYLINDER, C-5564144” for the .30 Browning M1918A2. The number J012-5564144 is an older Army Ordnance stock number and should not be read as FSN 1005-556-4144.
- Item: Gas-cylinder cleaning tool
- Weapon: .30-caliber Browning Automatic Rifle M1918A2
- Army part or drawing number: C-5564144
- Ordnance stock number: J012-5564144
- Contractor: North Terminal Machine Sales & Engineering Co.
- Contract: DA-19-058-ORD-6748
- Package location: South Boston, Massachusetts
- Packaging: VCI corrosion-inhibiting storage wrapper
- Status: Non-explosive military maintenance tool
How the Tool Worked
The tool’s cutters were used to scrape hardened carbon from the BAR’s gas cylinder, regulator recesses, and piston face. Its stepped transverse drift helped clear the gas ports and piston-ring grooves. Regular carbon removal was important because heavy fouling could restrict gas flow and reduce the reliability of the rifle. The tool and its uses are illustrated in Figure 117 of the 1951 edition of FM 23-15.
Identification Note
identification as C-5564144. However, the shape closely resembles the later BAR gas-cylinder reamer, P/N 7268211 and FSN 4933-508-0340, shown in the 1969 maintenance manual. No official record has been found proving that the later tool replaced or was interchangeable with C-5564144.
Weapon-System History
The original M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle entered U.S. service near the end of World War I. The improved M1918A2 became the main American BAR model of World War II and remained in major service during the Korean War. This gas-operated, magazine-fed .30-06 rifle gave infantry squads portable automatic fire. Its gas system was exposed to powder residue, making special cleaning tools an important part of field maintenance.
Manufacturing and Supply History
North Terminal Machine Sales & Engineering Co. of South Boston and contract DA-19-058-ORD-6748. Available contract-sequence evidence suggests Korean War-era production, probably during the first half of 1952, although an exact award or packing date has not been confirmed. Later federal records associate drawing 5564144 with NSN 4933-00-556-4144 and NSN 5120-00-398-4045, but these are later catalog cross-references.
Condition
This is an original military-surplus maintenance tool. It may show finish wear, scratches, discoloration, dried preservative, light oxidation, or storage marks. Any original wrapper may have creases, stains, tears, fading, or handwritten inventory notes. This listing is for one cleaning tool only; the BAR, ammunition, cleaning kit, and other accessories are not included unless specifically stated.
Ideal For
This specialized tool is a strong addition to displays covering the Browning Automatic Rifle, U.S. infantry weapons, and military maintenance equipment.
- M1918A2 BAR collections
- World War II equipment displays
- Korean War exhibits
- Military armorer tool collections
- U.S. Army Ordnance research
- Museums and educational displays
Approx length 2", Approx width 2", Approx height 0.5", Approx weight lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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