1941 Long Branch

[Amatikulu]

NP2650,

it looks like you have got the real deal. In my personal opinion, I would restore the rifle to its original issue condition - or as close as practical. I base this on the fact that the rifle is a rare one and a restoration would be a "labor of love" - it will take time but could be done.

[Badger]

Besides the front sight protector, I think the cocking handle is a later war version replacement, plus the sight stamped "F" is Fazakerley?

Is the barrel serial numbered and marked '41?

Regards,
Badger

[NP2650]

Badger: The barrel is serial numbered (to match the receiver) and '41 dated. The stampings on the barrel are just like the ones in the photos of the 0L6062 that you posted earlier (i.e., it has all the same stampings in the same locations).

[Surpmil]

You've found a rare one. I believe John R. said that post-WWII it was Canadian Army policy to scrap No4MkI rifles when they came through workshops and rebuild them with MkI* receivers as that was the service standard.

The forend is not original, so keep looking and you'll find a Long Branch MkI style forend with the reduced right side to clear the magazine cutoff that never was.

At some point the MkI "waisted" foresight protector was replaced by the standard "squared-off" type (my own terms). I used to own a LB MkI in the 0L6000 range and it came to me with the standard foresight protector.

I've also had one in the 0L3000 range and that did have the MkI foresight protector and the hinged upper band. As you can see from those Long Branch photos posted in another thread, the first rifles were almost exact copies of the UK made Trials rifles, except for the magazine cutoff, right down the cruciform bayonets.

Both those rifles had the MkI "button" cocking piece and MkI backsight. Not sure if your safety and backsight are Long Branch or UK production. Looks like the Indians may have done some cheap and dirty resprays on some of these rifles. I believe Mr. Breakey had a Trials T from India on this forum (?) that had a similar paint job that was put on straight over whatever worn finish was there - no attempt to phosphate/parkerize first!

UK proof on the barrel ring so it got there once. One of mine had it too, or maybe they both did I'm not sure.

Well worth restoring IMO.