Vintage possibly ww2 British lee Enfield gun oil brass oil bottle steel dipper ?

Vintage possibly ww2 British lee Enfield gun oil brass oil bottle steel dipper missing

Looks like it could have been a WW2 British Lee Enfield gun oil bottle, a steel dipper would have been fixed to the inside of the lid which has been cut off.

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A wonderfully tactile and intriguingly simple antique brass cylindrical tube, complete with a threaded screw cap and internal stopper. Pieces like this sit beautifully in that space between function and mystery — the kind of object that quietly invites conversation.

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Crafted from solid brass with a rich, darkened patina, this tube shows honest age through its surface wear and scattered verdigris spotting, giving it a warm, authentic character that only time can create. The engineering is pleasingly precise — the screw thread still engages well, and the cap features a central pin or vent detail, suggesting a practical purpose beyond simple storage.

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Possible Use

While unmarked, items of this form were commonly used in the late 19th to early 20th century for:

Scientific or laboratory purposes – storing small samples, chemicals, or test materials

Apothecary or medical use – pills, powders, or early pharmaceutical contents

Travel containers – matches, needles, or small personal items

Instrument component – possibly part of a larger device such as a microscope or surveying kit

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The internal stopper and tight seal hint that it may have once held something requiring protection from moisture or air. Possibly had a metal fitment to lid now missing could be military or engineering?

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Condition

Good antique condition

Surface wear, patina, and spotting consistent with age

Threads intact and functional

No visible maker’s mark

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Approximate Dimensions

Length: approx. –10 cm

Diameter: approx. –2 cm

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Why We Love It

This is exactly the sort of object that embodies the charm of the unknown — part tool, part relic. It fits effortlessly into a cabinet of curiosities, a desk display, or a collector’s drawer of scientific and industrial antiques.