My new Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I

[Matt Richards]

Hi folks! Already owning a 1918 BSA SMLE, I decided to pick up the World War II edition -- a $99 rusty No. 4 Mk. I at my local gun shop. Although the shop gunsmith said it is unsafe to fire (and I believe him), the rust is mostly surface stuff that comes off easily with WD40 and light rubbing with 0000 steel wool.The stock is in beautiful condition. There are a few questions I have though --

The wrist reads
ROF
? 42
U21783 A



From what I understand, this is an early rifle made at Fazakerly and has the 'A' suffix added to the serial number because of non-interchangeable parts. The serial number matches on the wrist, barrel, bolt handle and forestock. Interestingly, the front handguard and front band appear to be marked with the little S in a square, which I understand is the U.S Savage logo.



Part of the cocking piece looks like it is marked FY MK 11. Not sure what that means.



The buttstock has a large number '62' written in yellow paint on the left side. It is also stamped into the wood need the butt swivel, with what looks like the same yellow paint flowed into the indentations. Any idea what these numbers would signify? The butt also has several stampings of '6's (or '9's?), 'R's and one 'F.'





The buttplate is a strange light gray color -- is this steel? It has 'ILCO' in an oval cast on the rear of it.

Thanks for any help you can give!

Information

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[Thunderbox]

Looks like a typical very early Fazakerley, since repaired with a few odd bits.

Buttplate is zinc alloy; these were often used in place of brass.

Why did the gunsmith say it was unsafe to fire?

[Matt Richards]

Thanks!

I'm not really sure why it was classified as unsafe -- they didn't give me a reason, unfortunately. The barrel underneath the handguards is flawless, still covered in smooth, sticky grease. It might require a second opinion.

Here's another oddity. While cleaning off one of the sling swivels, it appears that the edge of it is a copper color while the rest is just blued steel.

[Thunderbox]

Is the bolt number the same as on the rifle? Are there any signs of damage on the receiver or bolt?

[Matt Richards]

All the numbers match, and there's no receiver damage that I can see. I haven't looked at the inside of the barrel yet though -- it's possible the problem is in there.

[Peter Laidler]

Haven't looked in the barrel yet............................... You're right, that could be the answer! It's an ex Indian rifle so there could be anything down the bore!

[Matt Richards]

Aha! What tips it off as Indian?

[Peter Laidler]

Just looking at it, the painted markings................ It's a sixth sense

[Matt Richards]

You could very well be correct. I just found vestiges of olive-green paint on the sides of the receiver. I have read that green painted metal was common in the Pacific theater of the war.

[me2]

This is making me crazy..............push a rag down that bore and let us know what you see!