Originally Posted by
smle addict
I'll go out on a limb and say you did alright. I have two 1943 BSA T's that look like yours; black paint (suncorite), differing wood. I have owned three Savages like the one pictured over the years. The first one I had was near perfect. It was stocked in walnut, had a few small dings, all parts savage, S51 on stock. I had another that was still all original, cheekpiece removed, and heavily used; probably during service India. Sold those two when I divorced. Neither had the sling swivel in front of magazine.
The one I currently own is a Mk I*, no scope number, no T, (but marked TR), and is wearing a replacement forearm. It was originally a cut down sporter. Its a nice shooter now. This rifle also has evidence of bubba's ham-fists trying to removed the scope pad screws. Mine are all boogered-up like yours.
If you decide to keep (which I would) I have a spare T backsight with ground off battle-peep. It's SM41 marked. If interested, maybe we can work a deal, as I a need PH sight (like yours) for one of my .22's.
Either way, I think it's an honest, well-traveled rifle that has picked up a few non-S pieces here and there throughout its life. I'd keep it.
Best of luck
edit- I do remember both of my previous rifles had 5-goove barrels, dated 1945. My current one also has a 5 groove '45.