Lee Enfield markings

[gerard488]

Just picked up a 1942 No4 Mk1, 4 digit serial #14xx, matching numbers on bolt, barrel and receiver. Bolt and receiver also stamped FPM or possibly FDM. Nothin on left receiver wall except No4 Mk1. Barrel has been cut behind bayonet lugs.
Left butt socket stamped M 1942 above FPM above serial #
Right butt socket stamped FD
Barrel knox is stamped 307
3313 stamped on bottom of barrel under chamber
Can anyone tell me what the FPM/FDM and FD means?
Thanks in advance

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

If it was FMP it'd be Federation of Malaya Police

[gerard488]

Yes, But it isn`t FMP, It is FPM or FDM. It looks more like FDM. The FP on the butt socket is also hard to find any info on. I have posted this question on 3 different forums, Canadiangunutz(with pics)
Military surplus collectors and The Firing Line(with pics). So far, I havent found a lot of answers. Strange that no one has chimed in and said "I have one with the same marks"
Saw one post about a no1 picked up in the middle east with the FDM.
Makes me wonder, Is it rare? Is is some kind of knock-off. One gentleman on Canadian gunutz with more Lee Enfield knowledge than I can even imagine suggested FP = factory protection.
Found another mark or name on the left receiver wall that has been mostly scratched out but looks like it might end in lly or ly
Thanks in advance for any answers

[Peter Laidler]

You asked for suggestions and guess what........... You got one! Even though it was wrong, I still made the effort and you still learned something.

Let's see some pictures and maybe it'll ring a few bells but it definately ain't factory defence, certainly not in the UK. Fazakerley were the only place to have a factory defence 'force' and that was for 'political' reasons

[gerard488]

Thanks again, here are a few pics.

[Amatikulu]

I notice that your rifle also has the receiver ring stamped "DP"

This means that your rifle was relegated to being for drill purposes only at some time in its life. Do a search of this forum for threads on DP and you will find that this is not a good sign for any rifle intended to be fired.

[Badger]

Here's a few links to other threads where Peter Laidler and others, have discussed the pitfalls of DP and ZF marked rifles ...

ZF marking on Enfields?

DP Stock Marks Query

DP Rifles

Please read them all thoroughly before you go and shoot it ...

Regards,
Doug

[Maxwell Smart]

Are you sure that it is a .303?

The big "307" numerals on the knox form of the barrel might indicate a different chambering; like 307 Winchester (semi-rimmed 308)

The DP stamp is a worry too; looks like the front scope base may have hidden that at some time in the past.

[RCEMERalf]

That front sight cover is something I have seen on sporterized rifles. It was likely produced in some volume for an entity doing such conversions. Not sure if this helps at all.

[Surpmil]

Changed my mind; can't be sure what the marking is on the butt socket. Photo is too small, not properly oriented and too dark.