markings on my No.1 mark III

[raskolnik]

Hi everyone. I'm hoping I can impose upon y'all to help me figure out some more details about the rifle I just picked up earlier today. It's a No.1 MkIII (no asterisk), and I'm pretty sure it's British-made, but can't tell beyond that.

I can take pictures if necessary.

The numbers on the piece of metal that separates the stock from the wood around the barrel (and is connected to the trigger guard) are:

picture that is almost rubbed out ... might be the crown that was put on British-made rifles?
ENFIELD
1907
SHTLE
III

On the side of the the bolt lever facing the butt, there's the serial number 54--, with a "DP" stamped beside/on top of the serial number. On the little tail-piece of the bolt (don't know how to describe it), there's the big arrow that I believe is usually put on British-made rifles. There's also what looks like a tiny "DE" or something like that.

No markings on the butt-plate that I can see. On the right of the stock is engraved/stamped the letters MA, and below that 2/45. There's also what looks like the letters IIV or something like that. Towards the butt, there're some numbers stamped as well.

At the barrel-end of the gun, on the metal part kinda underneath the front sight, there're the letters BA. On the circular piece that sticks out under the muzzle, there's a D, and then below that the numbers 77569.

As I said, I can post pictures, but if anyone has any thoughts on interpretation I would appreciate it.

Information

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[conec]

Sounds like a No.1 MkIII that is drill purpose marked (DP) and has spent some time down under (MA - BA)...

[raskolnik]

Hmm, wouldn't that mean it's no longer fireable? I haven't actually shot this one yet, but everything seems to work. The pin-looking thing that sticks out the back behind the bolt handle goes forward when the trigger is pulled. There's nothing blocking the barrel or anything....

[conec]

DP means an armourer has deemed it unsuitable for firing ball ammunition. Drill with it yes, fire it no. I have never seen a DP that had it's action or barrel holed or welded. I have owned a few DP rifles, but only used them for display... YMMV

[raskolnik]

I really hope that's not the case, 'cause it means the dealer lied to my face. That being said, I've also seen people saying that some rifles were marked DP due to obsolescence, not because there was actually anything wrong with the rifle. Most of the DP rifles I've seen people talk about have DP stamped in several locations, not just the one place on the bolt handle. It seems strange that it would just be there and nowhere else.

[xa-coupe]

Does the serial number on the bolt match the reciever ? If so, you have a DP rifle. It also seems to have a lot of Lithgow ( MA ) parts so it has had some replacement parts. I wouldn't stake my life on it but I would be pretty sure they didn't FTR No1 MkIIIs in 1945. The serious collectors can cofirm or deny that.

[raskolnik]

They do match, yes. Crap. So is there any way to tell for sure, or do I need to try to get my money back?

[Amatikulu]

Are the letters "D.P." also stamped on the receiver ring or on the Knox form?

[raskolnik]

Are the letters "D.P." also stamped on the receiver ring or on the Knox form?

Not on the receiver ring and not on as much of the Nock's form that I can see (which is pretty much only the top facet ... looks like the serial number was stamped farther in also).

[conec]

Pictures man, pictures...