Unusual M3A1 Tool marked W-M-M

[CCyooper]

To the keep the forum active I thought I would start posting some different tools. First is the tool marked W-M-M or W-W-M, I guess depending how you want to look at it. Bill Ricca does a great job explaining these tools on his web site but even the W-M tool is a mystery to him. I believe he wrote the section in Canfields book so not much more additional information is provided on the unknown maker. He suggests a tool made by Walkkill or Mossberg and is most likely correct based upon his research. However, I have this tool with an additional W or M. Could it have something to do with Winchester? I know I am not the first to think this, but my tool is marked differently with another letter. Also, there is something unique about this tool that others may have seen but I have not, it is marked with a serifed A. Could this be an inspector mark or could it be Winchesters attempt to use up some Amola steel. I could be way off in my thoughts as I am not trying to prove anything I'm just throwing this out there for thought. Based upon Canfields book there is plenty of discussion regarding WRA cleaning tools, etc., and WRA's indication that new tool design might be necessary. WRA also had a requirement to provide tools with each rifle, maybe this was WRA's contracted out attempt to fill that requirement with an M3A1 tool that was required to be marked. Who knows, does someone on the forum have the answer?

[RCS]

How did Winchester supply the M3A1 tool ? Winchester production of M1 rifle stocks all during 1941 and part of 1942 all had "no-trap" butt plates.

I still use this tool to remove flush nuts

[CCyooper]

Good question and I'm not sure I can answer it correctly. In Canfields book in the WRA section he refers several times to WRA having to provide tools, relation to cost, lack of steel, etc. I assume they just provided them in boxes similar to the spare parts they were required to provide. Up until the trap was added I expect they were issued and carried in a pouch similar to the way SA distributed their early M3 tools before they added the trap. I'm not even sure WRA made a M3A1 tool but based upon Canfield, etc., I'm sure they produced the M3, which I believe I have a couple. I know WRA was not in a hurry to make any changes but if they were required to provide tools during the earlier contracts, it seems logical to me that it was still a requirement during the WIN-13 period. Maybe during this period they added/changed to a M3A1 tool possibly contracted out to Mossberg, et-al, since they were close by rather than do it in house.
Off topic slightly but I once had a chance to buy a box of wra enblocs in a box similar to a 50 box of SA, which I have. I suspect they shipped their tools similarly. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

[Tom in N.J.]

I have one of the M1A1 tools marked "W-M", the spanner blade is also marked "A". I too use it to remove/install flush nuts. The 'M' on the OPs photos may indicate 'modified'.

[CCyooper]

That's a possibility of what the extra letter could represent. Does your tool have the earlier type blade or the modified type? I personally have not observed a W-m with an early blade, they have all been the later type but my sample size is small. Regards

[Tom in N.J.]

CCyooper,.. Sorry for the delay... I've not visited here much... long story.. My M3A1 tool is marked "W-M", the 'W' is tapered and the 'M' is square sided. The spanner tool is 'A' marked and the blade is the short version. The long blade will have a notch in it for the pin punch to nestle in. I have not seen one with a long blade either.

[Jersey Devil]

CCyooper,.. Sorry for the delay... I've not visited here much... long story.. My M3A1 tool is marked "W-M", the 'W' is tapered and the 'M' is square sided. The spanner tool is 'A' marked and the blade is the short version. The long blade will have a notch in it for the pin punch to nestle in. I have not seen one with a long blade either.

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge here. Hope all is well.

[Tom in N.J.]

I have found a photo of my four types of M3 tools. There must be s fifth type, folding with a long blade(?). The top one is the early M3 with the long body and long screw driver. Next one down is a M3 with a numberd screwdriver blade that has been modified to fit the poppet gas plug. Below that is an M3A1 with an original short screwdriver blade. The bottom one is an M3A1 with a short poppet gas plug type screwdriver (this is my W-M marked one). I do not know for sure if the bottom one's blade is original or modified.

[CCyooper]

Is the one in the middle, a M3A1 with the notch the long type you are referring to or the early M3 with notch?

[Tom in N.J.]

CCyooper... Yup! that's it, the M3A1 with long blade screwdriver, Bottom one seems to be one also, but with a narrower blade.