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Lee Enfield No4 Mk1 serial number question
Hi guys,
I'm looking into buying my first enfield, and as such I'm limited on my knowledge of them. I'm currently looking at 2 Enfields that I may buy but had a question about the serial number on one.
The one is a 1941 No4 Mk1, the serial number on the side reads B with 1941 stamped under it and under that 9815 A. However, in my research I cant find where this would be a viable number with any of the factories. Anyone know if that could be a legitimate serial number for a 1941 no4 mk1?
Thanks!
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12-30-2020 02:16 PM
# ADS
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B was the early mark of BSA before they became M47 and then M47C, so my guess is a BSA rifle , very early one, number 9815
The A suffix means that it has non interchangeable parts, see this thread. https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=32036
But I may be wrong
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Legacy Member
Originally Posted by
Roy W
B was the early mark of BSA before they became M47 and then M47C, so my guess is a BSA rifle , very early one, number 9815
The A suffix means that it has non interchangeable parts, see this thread.
https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=32036
But I may be wrong
Thanks for the help, thats very interesting about the A suffix. This specific rifle has a mismatched bolt, so seeing that it has the A suffix would it be better to avoid this rifle? My other option in this case is a 1943 longbranch all matching, but not sure if thats worth the $125 premium over a bolt mismatch 1941.
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Originally Posted by
zh75
Thanks for the help, thats very interesting about the A suffix. This specific rifle has a mismatched bolt, so seeing that it has the A suffix would it be better to avoid this rifle? My other option in this case is a 1943 longbranch all matching, but not sure if thats worth the $125 premium over a bolt mismatch 1941.
It would never have had a mismatched bolt in service - in all probability the importer or a later owner lost the original bolt and just 'fitted' another bolt, not being aware that Bolts are NOT plug and play and have to be properly fitted (fitted as in works needed to be done to FIT it correctly)
A mismatched bolt can be dangerous - particularly if the locking lugs on both sides do not engage properly.
I'd pay the extra $100 and get one that is 'as built' and has been properly worked on throughout its life.
The suffix A was introduced later (mainly used by RoF Fazakerley) and used to signify something had to be 'hand fitted' usually due to a manufacturing fault such as a hole drilled oversize so had to be tapped a larger size and hence the correct screw/bolt would not fit.
Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...
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Originally Posted by
Alan de Enfield
It would never have had a mismatched bolt in service - in all probability the importer or a later owner lost the original bolt and just 'fitted' another bolt, not being aware that Bolts are NOT plug and play and have to be properly fitted (fitted as in works needed to be done to FIT it correctly)
A mismatched bolt can be dangerous - particularly if the locking lugs on both sides do not engage properly.
I'd pay the extra $100 and get one that is 'as built' and has been properly worked on throughout its life.
The suffix A was introduced later (mainly used by RoF Fazakerley) and used to signify something had to be 'hand fitted' usually due to a manufacturing fault such as a hole drilled oversize so had to be tapped a larger size and hence the correct screw/bolt would not fit.
Thanks for the great info. I figured I'd be better off going with an all matching having the chance. One more question, what do you think the value on a '43 longbranch all matching would be? Assuming its in pretty good but not perfect condition. Sorry, the enfield world is completely new to me lol
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Legacy Member
Originally Posted by
zh75
Thanks for the great info. I figured I'd be better off going with an all matching having the chance. One more question, what do you think the value on a '43 longbranch all matching would be? Assuming its in pretty good but not perfect condition. Sorry, the enfield world is completely new to me lol
I'm in the UK so my pricing experience would not be much help - I believe there can even be huge differences in price in the US between states.
Condition and originality are the key.
Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...
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You never pay to much you may buy early. Do your own looksy because what I think is value is different to others. If you like it buy it. If you have a limit you wont go over looky looky till you see one you like.
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Originally Posted by
Bindi2
You never pay to much you may buy early. Do your own looksy because what I think is value is different to others. If you like it buy it. If you have a limit you wont go over looky looky till you see one you like.
That is very true. I'm just not knowledgeable enough about the Enfield world at this point to know where the prices are exactly to date. But, I went ahead and took the matching longbranch so I'm sure I'll be satisfied in person!
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Thank You to zh75 For This Useful Post:
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Legacy Member
Originally Posted by
Bindi2
You never pay to much you may buy early. Do your own looksy because what I think is value is different to others. If you like it buy it. If you have a limit you wont go over looky looky till you see one you like.
True if you believe Milsurps will be the first bubble in history to not burst. Though with more free money being given to everyone prices should continue to rise for a bit, even if it is inflationary.
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