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  1. #1
    Advisory Panel Patrick Chadwick's Avatar
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    Odd No4 number?

    Can anyone comment on the plausibility or otherwise of the number on this rifle?

    http://egun.de/market/item.php?id=4790968

    FB25939A ???
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    Last edited by Patrick Chadwick; 02-14-2014 at 08:09 AM.

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    The number is consistent with other serial numbers I have recorded for a Fazakerley No.4 Mark 1 around 1943. The /48 on this rifle is the FTR date and is consistent with what fazakerley were doing in 1948

    http://home.earthlink.net/~smithkaia...ists/id15.html

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    Advisory Panel Patrick Chadwick's Avatar
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    Wow! A record-fast response. And on the ball, too!
    Thanks.

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    Advisory Panel Patrick Chadwick's Avatar
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    From the number, does this seem to be an FTR of a Mk1 made in 1943?

    ---------- Post added at 02:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:39 PM ----------

    Ammatikulu! PM sent.

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    Patrick,

    I am not certain, based on my limited observations that the FB25939A is the original serial number as given in 1943 or if it is a new or modified serial number assigned at FTR. However, the A suffix is normally associated with a rifles serial number where non interchangeable parts have been fitted and I do not understand why in 1948, a non interchangeable part would be fitted at FTR to warrant the addition of the "A." Surely at FTR, if the rifle was to be factory thorough reconditioned, then with the amount of rifles available post WW2, any rifle that could not have been returned to 100% standard would have been discarded.

    This leads me to conclude that the serial number observed is the correct serial number assigned at the time of original manufacture. Thoughts anyone?

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    Your conclusion is persuasive!

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    I agree with Amatikuluicon. If the original serial number was FB xxxxxA then it stays. The A suffix tells Armourers that selective fitting of parts may be necessary and the EMER note tells them this. One item that did warrant this suffix was a wider gap between the backsight ears and it wasn't unusual to see rifles with a small shim washer on one or both sides, between backsight axis pin and the ears to take up the slack

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    Quote Originally Posted by Amatikuluicon View Post
    This leads me to conclude that the serial number observed is the correct serial number assigned at the time of original manufacture. Thoughts anyone?

    Given the plethora of "A" suffixed Fazackerlys observed from this time frame, my speculation remains that they were employing some non-standard mfg. techniques to expedite construction, so the "A" was a CYA. Most commonly observed to date are welded charger bridges. No proof, mind you!

    The rear sight spacer noted above by Peter Laidlericon could very well be another.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Laidlericon View Post
    I agree with Amatikuluicon. If the original serial number was FB xxxxxA then it stays. The A suffix tells Armourers that selective fitting of parts may be necessary and the EMER note tells them this. One item that did warrant this suffix was a wider gap between the backsight ears and it wasn't unusual to see rifles with a small shim washer on one or both sides, between backsight axis pin and the ears to take up the slack
    Mostly a personal note: So far, no rear sight shimmed "A" suffix Fazackerlys except for the Mk.III sight variation but that is supposed to have a thick washer/shim, so that doesn't count. All british sight variations encountered. Those examined in person have been without slop side to side. Will keep looking!

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    That was just one isolated example JM..........

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