Can anyone comment on the plausibility or otherwise of the number on this rifle?
http://egun.de/market/item.php?id=4790968
FB25939A ???
Printable View
Can anyone comment on the plausibility or otherwise of the number on this rifle?
http://egun.de/market/item.php?id=4790968
FB25939A ???
The number is consistent with other serial numbers I have recorded for a Fazakerley No.4 Mark 1 around 1943. The /48 on this rifle is the FTR date and is consistent with what fazakerley were doing in 1948
http://home.earthlink.net/~smithkaia...ists/id15.html
Wow! A record-fast response. And on the ball, too!
Thanks.
From the number, does this seem to be an FTR of a Mk1 made in 1943?
---------- Post added at 02:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:39 PM ----------
Ammatikulu! PM sent.
Patrick,
I am not certain, based on my limited observations that the FB25939A is the original serial number as given in 1943 or if it is a new or modified serial number assigned at FTR. However, the A suffix is normally associated with a rifles serial number where non interchangeable parts have been fitted and I do not understand why in 1948, a non interchangeable part would be fitted at FTR to warrant the addition of the "A." Surely at FTR, if the rifle was to be factory thorough reconditioned, then with the amount of rifles available post WW2, any rifle that could not have been returned to 100% standard would have been discarded.
This leads me to conclude that the serial number observed is the correct serial number assigned at the time of original manufacture. Thoughts anyone?
Your conclusion is persuasive!
I agree with Amatikulu. If the original serial number was FB xxxxxA then it stays. The A suffix tells Armourers that selective fitting of parts may be necessary and the EMER note tells them this. One item that did warrant this suffix was a wider gap between the backsight ears and it wasn't unusual to see rifles with a small shim washer on one or both sides, between backsight axis pin and the ears to take up the slack
Given the plethora of "A" suffixed Fazackerlys observed from this time frame, my speculation remains that they were employing some non-standard mfg. techniques to expedite construction, so the "A" was a CYA. Most commonly observed to date are welded charger bridges. No proof, mind you!
The rear sight spacer noted above by Peter Laidler could very well be another.
Mostly a personal note: So far, no rear sight shimmed "A" suffix Fazackerlys except for the Mk.III sight variation but that is supposed to have a thick washer/shim, so that doesn't count. All british sight variations encountered. Those examined in person have been without slop side to side. Will keep looking!
That was just one isolated example JM..........