1918 SMLE with 62 proof marks what the heck?

[rodrackmike]

I have a Enfield SMLE from 1918, it has 62 markings on it. Looks like it was used to teach people how to stamp rifles. I wanted to check out the page that has info on markings but could not reach the page. Attachment 73544Attachment 73561Attachment 73560Attachment 73559Attachment 73558Attachment 73557Attachment 73556Attachment 73555Attachment 73554Attachment 73553Attachment 73552Attachment 73551Attachment 73550Attachment 73549Attachment 73548Attachment 73547Attachment 73546Attachment 73545Attachment 73562

Information

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[rodrackmike]

What I know.
It was an Irish rifle.
George Rex Proof
High Velocity
Factory through repair FTR
Many more I can't find.
Thanks for the help
rodrack

[JerryEAL]

A lot of standard inspection stamps and possibly import stamps. The Fianna Fáil stamp is a nice rare addition, if you follow that period of history.

[browningautorifle]

Nothing unusual about the amount of markings on the rifle...after all it went through two major wars and several minor.

[Frederick303]

If you check out the following thread:

Fritz's FF marked Enfield sticky - Page 2

especially post #5, 17, 20 and 52

That should give you a background about your rifle.

[gew8805]

The vast majority are not "proof marks", almost all are inspection marks for the parts or assemblies they are stamped on.

[browningautorifle]

inspection marks

Yes, we all seem to call them the wrong thing. Inspection markings...

[LondonEnfield]

I don't know. Quite a few of the stamps with crowns on the receiver look like military proof marks, and the receiver alone has been renumbered at least once.

[gew8805]

How do you define the term "proof mark"? Pressure bearing parts - bolt, bolt head, receiver and barrel were "proof marked" to show that they could sustain the pressure of firing the cartridge, they were "proof marked" to show this ability. They were also inspected to show that they passed for interchangeability, shape, material fitness, etc and had inspection marks as well as proof marks. Non--pressure bearing parts/assemblies were inspected for the fitness to serve their function and interchangeability, etc. and were marked to show that they filled their purpose correctly but they did not receive markings to show that they passed proof, they did not require that. The vast majority of the markings shown are simple inspection marks.

[Peter Laidler]

Yep, as gew states above. Stage inspection marks at the factory or manufacturer of the parts facility. MoS examiners marks, usually with a code letter/figure combination and then the usual crossed flags/pennants/lances - or whatever the pedantic wish to call it UK Military accepted firing proof mark. Plus the foreign government ownership marks