Originally Posted by
Seaforth72
Roger Payne is correct. The rifle in question should have NO YEAR as it is a very late production, likely just before they closed down their No.4 rifle production room line in June 1944. There would be 0C and FIVE numbers after the C. The late Charles R. Stratton covered this in his book “British Enfield Rifles Volume 2 Lee-Enfield No. 4 and No.5 Rifles” “For Collectors Only” page 168. “After 99C, Savage went to an (sic) 0C prefix with a 5-digit number following … highest observed serial number is 0C63036.” (I corrected the error as the books has the letter “O” instead of number “0” shown in both cases before the “C”)
The No.4 Mk.I* made by Stevens-Savage changeover came into production at Stevens-Savage by the 12Cxxxx serial number range. I only track sniper conversion serial numbers, with 12C6308 being the lowest No.4 Mk.I* by Stevens-Savage, so I cannot give a more precise number for the changeover.
I have a 1941 Stevens-Savage, serial number OT820, that was converted to No.4 Mk.I (T) at R.S.A.F. Enfield and has the distinctive R.S.A.F. inspection mark on top of the front scope pad, usually only found on ex-Trials 1931 & 1933 dated rifles converted to No.4 Mk.I (T).