Re: "The Last Enfield Manufactured Under British Rule at Ishapore Rifle Factory India

[hm6d]

Think this is the last GRI (India Independence 8/15/1947) made

GRI
1948
No1Kk3*

950XX J

Anyone have a later one?

Information

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[Beerhunter]

It would be interesting to find out how long RFI continued with Imperial Markings after independence. However, as you say yourself, as Indian independence was 15 August 1947, a rifle dated 1948 was hardly made under British Rule, was it?

[Thunderbox]

India did not become a full republic until 26 January 1950. Up until that point, it was actually an independent Dominion within the Commonwealth - i.e. King George VI remained head of state and, technically, Emperor of India.

Incidentally, southern Ireland also retained this status until 1949 as well...

[Beerhunter]

India did not become a full republic until 26 January 1950. Up until that point, it was actually an independent Dominion within the Commonwealth - i.e. King George VI remained head of state and, technically, Emperor of India.

Good point.

[Mk VII]

Incidentally, southern Ireland also retained this status until 1949 as well...

Technically, yes, though DeV's 1937 constitution had replaced the Governor-General (who had already been reduced to a cipher) with a President.

[hm6d]

Actually, I was referring to the UK ownership/management of the RFI factory. There may be local media history of the date of transfer of the plant to the new government.

Anyone have a higher SN GRI?

[Beerhunter]

Actually, I was referring to the UK ownership/management of the RFI factory.

I suspect that the the UK did not own or manage RFI but it was rather owned by the Indian Government, even prior to Independence.

Remember there that here was an Indian Army, quite separate from the British Army often with different kit. e.g. The Vickers-Berthier LMG

[Surpmil]

Technically, yes, though DeV's 1937 constitution had replaced the Governor-General (who had already been reduced to a cypher) with a President.

How appropriate in this case!