Ross HG Mk III Serial Numbers

[rpdalton]

I just bought a CY HG Mk III and just love it. Is there any way to determine the date of mnufacture from the serial number?

Thanks,

Randy

Information

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[oldpaul]

The only serial number on the military MkIII is the one stamped on the right side of the buttstock. There will be a serial number underlined with the date directly beneath. It is difficult to see on mine, but you can google image it for some clear examples. Pictures are always welcome here. By the by, welcome to the forum. Tom

[tiriaq]

The HG serial is stamped using small figures on the left side of the breech of the barrel - same place as the factory sporting rifles.
They will exhibit all the early Mk. III features.

[rpdalton]

What else can yo tell me about them? Can thwy be dated by serial number? Mine is HG 12121. What is the value of an HG vs. a military issue rifle? How many were made?

Thnks,

Randy

[oldpaul]

There is a sticky above by Badger that illustrates what tiriaq is referring to. It gives a more complete history of the Home Guard rifles and I was hoping that someone would chime in about dating these specific rifles. Value is dependent on condition and to some degree location among other things. So again, pictures go a long way toward receiving valid information. Tom

[tiriaq]

HG rifles are often found in much better condition than issued service rifles. They can be excellent examples of what early production Mk. III rifles looked like.
Service rifles may have more collector interest than HG. On another forum, photos of a 1914 Mk. III rifle marked to the 48th Highlanders were posted. 48th Highlanders were the 15th BN CEF. They got mauled at 2nd Ypres in April 1915. This rifle may very well have been there.

[enfieldguy]

Just got a HG M 10 Ross, which is butt marked CY 32 and numbered 12515. The barrel and action appear pristine, with no primer marks on the bolt face, and no indication the rifle has been fired. Considering the age, the wood is in very good shape, with only one major 'ding', between the middle and upper barrel bands. In addition, the action is quite stiff and even with a thorough cleaning, it has not changed, leading me to believe that the action has not been worked since manufacture.
Bolt is unpinned ( Yes, I did disassemble the entire bolt, cleaned and break freed everything, and re-assembled the unit) and if there is any complaint, it is in the Sutherland Sight, which appears too easy to adjust. Another interesting item is the barrel, which has not been crowned, but square cut, making it look unfinished or a barrel blank. Is this common for these rifles? FYIO.

[tiriaq]

Mine is HG13178, stock stamped HG over 100. Muzzle crown is slightly radiused. Condition is darned near new. Flat crowns were pretty much standard on factory sporters and II** target rifles.
Bolt sleeve pinning was WW2.

[Surpmil]

Over on rossrifle.com in the forum there is a spreadsheet of serial numbers maintained, and a good deal of expertise, where you can get more info on your rifle.