Rifle to Ring - Our 1944 Lee Enfield Ring

inGrained's Lee Enfield Rifle Stock Ring

Some of our woods carry more than beauty in their grain, they can carry stories to be told of history, love, strength and memories. Our Lee Enfield 1944 Walnut rifle stocks fall into that category, they are a small part of the story of a world at war, a part of the story of the extraordinary efforts, sacrifices and courage of ordinary people.

inGrained in our Lee Enfield ring is the strength, commitment, sacrifice and bonds that were demonstrated and forged in a time of war that we should not celebrate but should also never allow ourselves to forget. What we can celebrate is the unimaginable courage, teamwork, sacrifice and ingenuity shown by those who were part of that difficult time in history.

The Lee Enfield in WWII

The Lee Enfield rifle is one of the most iconic military firearms in British history, serving as the standard-issue rifle for the British and Commonwealth forces from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and rapid bolt-action mechanism, the Lee Enfield was a soldier’s trusted companion in the harshest conditions of war.

During World War II, the demand for rifles surged, and manufacturing was taken up by multiple contractors across the UK. One such contractor was H. Morris & Co. in Glasgow, who produced finely crafted walnut rifle stocks on mass as part of the war effort.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill inspects a no.4 Lee Enfield rilfe

H. Morris & Co. Glasgow

H. Morris & Co was a fine furniture maker established around about 1885 in Glasgow, Scotland. The company was known for manufacturing furniture, cinema seats and as it grew it became responsible for fitting out luxury liners including The Queen Mary and The Queen Elizabeth.

During the war H. Morris & Co became involved in the manufacturing of various war materials, including rifle stocks and prototype bomb casings for what would become 'the bouncing bomb'.

A 30 minute film available free on the National Library of Scotland website, entitled 'Wood Goes To War' shows the work of H. Morris & Co in 1942-1943. In this film you can glimpse the no.4 Lee Enfield rifle stocks being produced and inspected for service.

The Reclaimed Rifle Stocks

The walnut used in our ring is taken directly from some of those very stocks produced at H. Morris & Co. in Glasgow 1944. These particular stocks, were never to see battle and so have been preserved beautifully in their original state. They remained unused, quietly hiding their story of a time when Britain’s factories and workshops turned their full attention, skill and ingenuity to the fight for their countries freedom.

Our stocks are stamped with the H. M Co LTD stamp and N49 stamps which were both British wartime manufacturing codes for H. Morris & Co.

By reclaiming this walnut, we give new life to material once destined for the battlefield, turning it instead into a symbol of commitment, peace, and continuity.

A Ring With a Story

This handcrafted ring pairs the deep, rich tones of historical aged walnut with the strength and warmth of brass. A respectful nod to the metal fittings and cartridges of the Lee Enfield rifle. Alongside this, a wide edge of grey Birdseye maple adds a subtle yet striking contrast, its swirling grain reflecting the different paths, unexpected twists and turns of the lives of the individuals at home who made these stocks, the individuals at home who were engaged in all manner of work for their country, of those who fought on the battlefield, of those who came home and of those who did not. The knots in the maple grain cutting off paths representing the unexpected obstacles and changes of direction that must, at that time, have been so common in everyday life.

From Tools of War to Symbols of Love

What was once shaped for conflict is now shaped for unity. Every Lee Enfield 1944 Walnut Ring is a reminder that the same hands which craft for war can craft for peace, and that even the hardest battles can give way to enduring love.

inGrained Lee Enfield 1944 Walnut, Maple and Brass Wedding Ring