Special LB 1943

[Bullseye4mkI*]

Good Day Gents,

I was hoping you could tell me a few things about this Rifle. I’ve just started researching her after procrastinating some twenty years and have landed here; to hear the judgment of experts and to share this gun with you…
This 1943 No.4mk1* was presented in 1945 to the Assistant Manager of the Long Branch Arsenal. He was there for many decades up to it’s closing, including, through the war years.
His son, my Father, would tell me their version of take your kid to work day, at 10, 11, 12yrs old, would be firing Stens and .50cal aircraft guns across the lake all day long, “because they couldn’t go out untested son…. “
I remember going to my grandfathers’ house and pretty much the only thing we’d burn in the fireplace were LB hardwood butt stock blanks in various stages of production, that were rejected and were to be discarded anyway…
I don’t know much about this Rifle, other than that it is pure LongBranch.
I’m hoping you guys can tell me a little more about it from your perspective(s).
It has no serial number and I’ve tried to include all the Proof marks I can find.
It has the quick release type bolt via the forward slot on the receiver, although there is small cut out for the previous push type bolt release on stock.
Missed one proofmark on the Magazine located on the front face of the guide,
that’s a little faint.

Is it a reg config No.4 Mk1*? and just unstamped?
Any questions, feel free. I’ll take more pics if you need. Happy to show and tell.

It’s kinda beat up, unfired 50 plus years, then before that, probably sitting around the office at the Arsenal since ’45. Unfortunately some
water damage to the butt that needs restoration, from flooding in the past.(arggg)

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Information

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[Warren]

One of the first names wouldn't be Ralph would it?????

[rgg_7]

Are there any proof marks on the stock? Looks like a standard 1943 No4 MK1* that was selected for a presentation or retirement gift. Was not uncommon for this to happen. I've seen a few others...some have brass plates screwed to stock with an inscription. Could you tell us what is engraved on the left side wall of the action. Great piece of history. Ron

[Bullseye4mkI*]

Hey Warren- Tom

rgg7- No stock stamps or proofs.
He was the no.2 man at LB/CA until (closing and retirement) in the late 60's, early 70's...
I think perhaps it's more likely for either War's end, or end of rifle production at LB(although resumed in '49). And perhaps something more likely given by the workers?!

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[gsimmons]

Is there anything on the left side of the buttsocket?

[Bullseye4mkI*]

gs-Here's a left side shot...

Attachment 30151

[gsimmons]

Thank you! Very interesting rifle and story thanks for sharing. Have you had the rear hand guard off? Is there any marks, such as date?

[Paul S.]

I can't help you with the history, but I reckon there are a few blokes here who would trade you their first born for that rifle solely because of its history.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Is it normal for Canadian 1943 Mk1* rifles to have the "Gucci" front sight ears, a la the No4 trials types?

[RJW NZ]

Is it normal for Canadian 1943 Mk1* rifles to have the "Gucci" front sight ears, a la the No4 trials types?

Good question.