another one, can't make out the serial #on rifle but has scope # 90L8162 scope 170-C
Lee Enfield No4 Mk1-T Long Branch 303 British - Curios Relics at GunBroker.com : 814379831
another one, can't make out the serial #on rifle but has scope # 90L8162 scope 170-C
Lee Enfield No4 Mk1-T Long Branch 303 British - Curios Relics at GunBroker.com : 814379831
Last edited by superbee; 05-20-2019 at 06:12 PM.
The rifle itself looks a little suspicious to me. I can't make out the serial number either, but the blurs that are there certainly don't look like a 90L8xxx serial number. No maltese cross on the forestock either.
I'll enter the scope and bracket onto the list.
A friend of mine just payed 1980's prices for a No4T rig from a re-enactor. The rifle is a 1944 BSA # K38711 - but its now wearing the bracket and scope from Longbranch 90L8215 - scope reported as CNo32 MK3 #C13
I have some of his photos, but I get to handle this kit in 2 weeks.
Good morning,
I purchased 90L8162 last week. The rifle just arrived into California, and I had a chance to view it and snap a few pics. Since I live in this lovely state, I wont be able to pic it up until next Saturday, after it clears the 10-day waiting period. At least we have nice weather...
When it comes home, I'll post several pics. For now, here are two of the butt socket and scope/bracket. There is a very small import mark under the barrel, and it is one of Brian Dick's imports. I email him last night, and he confirmed it was one he imported back in 2002.
More to follow in a about a week and a half.
Another one for the list 80L8304
Long Branch No. 4 MKI T Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope | Rock Island Auction
The seller's photos were not very clear and efforts to interpret those have led to some errors in interpretation by well-meaning members here. I have had that problem too, so I sympathise with them. It pays to ask questions and to request clearer photos. I asked for and received several batches of new photos to answer my questions.
The rifle is fine ... very fine in fact.
Long Branch 71L0635, one of the last, not earliest, of the 71L series, 710673 being the highest 71L sniper number I have recorded.
71L0635 has its MATCHING Canadian bracket number 71L0635 C/|\
and its MATCHING C No. 32 Mk. 3 SN 55-C scope made by R.E.L.
The serial number 71L0635 is clear and unaltered on body, bolt and bracket. The serial number on the bracket is engraved with a pantograph as it should be.
The scope serial number has NOT "been tampered with" on the wrist of the wooden butt stock.
The rings have NOT been "crudely renumbered" In fact the rings are NOT numbered at all. It is easy to become confused if looking at images of several different No. 4 (T) rifles at the same time. The same seller was selling at least one and possibly two British BSA Shirley made No. 4 Mk. I (T) at the same time as this Long Branch.
It is a bit unusual that this 71L rifle is fitted with a C No. 32 Mk. 3 instead of a C No. 32 Mk. II scope. Most 71L sniper rifles appear to have been fitted with C No. 32 Mk. II scopes. On my other two 71Lxxxx No. 4 Mk. I*(T) , one has a matching C No. 32 Mk. II scope and the other has a matching in service replacement British made No. 32 Mk. II on the other.
Both the 71L0xxx and 90L8xxx series No. 4 Mk. I* (T) were being produced at the same time, 1945, in the Small Arms Limited, Long Branch. Reports are that the slow delivery of scopes was the delaying factor. Most of the 71L and 90L rifle were destined for the British and the rifles themselves were identical except for the serial number ranges. Thus the understanding is that rifles were ready and awaiting scopes at Long Branch.
In his book WITHOUT WARNING the author, the late Clive Law, wrote on page 41 "distinct serial number blocks; 71Lxxxx consisting of mostly No. 32 Mark 2 scopes, ... and 90L8xxx mounted mostly with the No. 32 Mark 3 scope. However, there is no hard and fast rule..." Note the word "mostly."
Last edited by Seaforth72; 07-29-2019 at 04:51 PM.
Colin MacGregor Stevens https://www.captainstevens.com [B]Model 1918 scope ideally w P14 rings; LB Scout Sniper Rifle windmill sight & furniture; No. 4 Mk. I* 28L0844; any rifle with S/N ASE-xxxx ; No.32 Mk. I SN 1042.
Colin, you must have received much better photos than were on their website?
Attachment 101958
it sure looks like the rings are numbered to me?
what is the scope number stamped on the butt?
Last edited by Lee Enfield; 07-29-2019 at 06:40 PM.
Early serial numbered Canadian sniper rings were not numbered, nor were the screws punched.
A few other features that were on the later issues were not done as well.
The British complained about this oversight and letters went back and forth before Canada fell into line.
When I find them again, I will post them.
71L0635 - The scope bracket has the matching rifle serial number on it as was proper for the late-war Canadian made examples. This is on the left side in the middle of the bar. There are no numbers on the “rings” (scope clamps) Such numbers, if present, would be on the right side of the bracket.
The photos on the seller’s website were not sharp enough for me and did not show some critical things such as the scope serial number “55C” stamped on the flat of the butt stock just behind the cocking piece. It took two batches of fresh photos to answer my questions adequately. I expect that the inadequate web site photos caused some other potential buyers to hesitate. ;-) I will add that the the seller in Windsor Ontario Canada packed it superbly for shipment and was very fast in shipping so I have no complaints whatsoever.
Last edited by Seaforth72; 07-31-2019 at 03:37 PM.
90L8198 with factory matching scope C No. 32 Mk. 3 22-C moved from the collection of bolt action to that of Seaforth72 some time ago.
Colin MacGregor Stevens https://www.captainstevens.com [B]Model 1918 scope ideally w P14 rings; LB Scout Sniper Rifle windmill sight & furniture; No. 4 Mk. I* 28L0844; any rifle with S/N ASE-xxxx ; No.32 Mk. I SN 1042.