1944 Long Branch No. 4 Mk 1*

[c&rfan]

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/84715abc3573f48a28f64f96d8c184066bf7b13.JPG

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/04625d9b0e32a756f2d8d4e83a7f9ffe854cdd1.JPG

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/44725c6b9e3bb794ffc8b4a1bbf0b45e4c61258.JPG

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/91a159b63c77fa82917ec761cd0c1633fe71d9c.JPG

The serial numbers on the butt socket, . . .

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/5ac3539dbfb831a57f83f522882af15603310e4.JPG

(I don't know what the 51 w/symbol means - arsenal rehab. date?)

. . . bolt . . .

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/1fd150b8387ffd84bb08bf683112bda9507b0b6.JPG

(Note the Long Branch stamp on the bolt handle.)

. . . and fore-stock all match:

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/aca35ca3bfa0303a7cfcf13385cb4821c4a25b5.JPG

The rear band was manufactured by C.E. Welstead:

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/db5254cb413c2749fc3896f92953993800411ce.JPG

The front band and front sight were manufactured by Singer Manufacturing:

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/58e35267bc8335457206f5718baa455a0c88548.JPG

The magazine platform and body were manufactured by W.C. Cheney & Sons Ltd:

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/aee25dbbff3727b7f4b8826552e7bfaa74b4017.JPG

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/96c35ebbbac93d9b7363f9ab874575b8d46af9f.JPG

I don't have a clue what the D below the Broad Arrow signifies or the numerals 87. Perhaps they are inspector's' marks?

(The magazine body has a serial number stamped on the bottom but it does not match the rifle.)

The bayonet was produced by Long Branch:

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/85025dbb0a30e7b4fa08b4f8a33690d460ee74c.JPG


I haven't found any legible import marks on this rifle so I assume it was imported prior to 1968.

Any comments on the above or additional information about this rifle will be appreciated.

[gunner]

Hi c&rfan, seems that you have a very nice collection of good looking and interesting rifles. Thats great ! Congrats to your collection.

Regards

Gunner

[c&rfan]

Thank you Gunner. I've been at it for more than 50 years. It is not as easy to find good specimens at a reasonable price as it was in the past.

[Surpmil]

Seen plenty of honest service, probably in British service from all the UK-made parts on it.