New to me No4 Mk1 - stripdown and curious what the markings mean?

[Mayhem]

I've just picked up a No.4 Mk1, made at the Fazakerley ROF (S/N:BB20***) in March 1943 and I'm hoping that someone can enlighten me as to what some of the markings indicate. I assume many are proofing marks but unsure. Whilst the wood is in very good condition, the metal was pretty dirty, having been liberally greased or coated with a heavy oil. I anticipated this under the wood but not in the receiver, action etc, etc.

Attachment 70674

I know that the bolt is from a later rifle (judging by the S/N on the bolt [FC24919A] and the style of the cocking piece). Other than that, I really don't know much about it. I've read in some places that this should have had the mark 1 sight instead of the mark 2 sight but I have read conflicting pieces. I wasn't chasing an all original, serial numbers matching, collectors item. I wanted a WWII service rifle that I can shoot and I expect that there will be a few anomalies.

I've taken some pictures, mainly of the various marks on it and I have spent this afternoon stripping it down for cleaning. I've uploaded them to my photobucket album, so that they don't suck the life out of this thread. I know some of you may be on dial-up, or can answer my questions without seeing the pictures.

Here are the markings I am unsure about:

On the right-hand side of the receiver, there is a crown with a symbol beneath it (looks like a C and I). The mark also appears on the top of the bolt handle.

On the top rear section of the receiver (where the bolt enters), it appears to have X 7 and possibly another number stamped on the right-hand side.

On the left-hand side of the wrist the letter A has been stamped beneath the serial number.

On the top of the barrel, there is a crown stamp with the number 21 beneath it. On the bottom, a crown with 62 beneath it and N beneath the numbers is stamped twice.

On the left-hand side of the barrel the serial number is engraved and R18 stamped.

On the right hand side of the muzzle there is a symbol that I cannot begin to describe, followed by .303 and 2.22. I know the 303 refers to the calibre but is the 2.22 a reference to the cartridge length (minus the projectile)? Beneath this is reads NP 18 1/2 TONS.

On the foresight blade, there is a mark followed by the letter B. Beneath this is 060, which I assume indicates the height as .060".

In the raised square section of the bolt, SP13 has been stamped inside the recess.

There are several markings on the left-hand side of the bolt head, which may be tooling marks or abuse. On the top the number 0 has been stamped.

There are several marks on the cocking piece. The broad arrow, W and either a L or a 7 appear on the right-hand side, whilst F5 appears on the left.

On top of the cap on the front hand guard, the letters WL appear.

On the bottom of the stock the letter F appears near the wrist. Inside the the other furniture, the letters G or F appear (sometimes both).

The letter G has been stamped on the top of the buttplate.

The magazine body is matched to the rifle and the platform has AB stamped into it.

I'm sure most, if not all, will simply be proof marks but I thought I'd ask anyway.

One thing I have noticed is that the foresight looks to be out of position (i.e., not square to the receiver). When viewed from the front, it appears to be rotated slightly counter-clockwise. It is difficult to photograph however, you can see it in this one. Other than that, it looks pretty good.

Attachment 70675

I can post pictures of the parts cleaned up in a couple of days if needed. Essentially, each component has been stripped down and soaked in mineral turpentine (except the wood) and then scrubbed with a toothbrush to remove as much crud as possible. Next, it is put into the ultrasonic cleaner with hot water, cloudy ammonia and a drop of dish washing detergent. Finally each part is rinsed with boiling water, dried and placed into a plastic bag, where it is liberally doused with G96. The bag is sealed and the parts left for a few days. The receiver/barrel gets the same treatment but is wrapped in shrink wrap after oiling.

Thanks!

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