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Thread: Dating Enfield SMLE Bolt by Serial Number

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    Dating Enfield SMLE Bolt by Serial Number

    I am curious about the date of this Enfield SMLE bolt
    Can you date the bolt by the serial number? and can you identify what the symbol on the bolt following the serial number means?

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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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    i would say definately NO. The serial number on the bolt might tell someone with access to a similarly numbered rifle what year it was made and where. But that bolt might have been replaced onto that rifle at any time since. The cross next to the letter M is the UKicon Military crossed flags or pennants or lances proof mark

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    The rifle is a 1943, and is a Ishapore made Enfield.
    The bolt doesn't match, just curious what year the bolt is?

    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Laidlericon View Post
    i would say definately NO. The serial number on the bolt might tell someone with access to a similarly numbered rifle what year it was made and where. But that bolt might have been replaced onto that rifle at any time since. The cross next to the letter M is the UKicon Military crossed flags or pennants or lances proof mark

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    Looking at the font of the serial number I'd hazard a guess that your bolt, although mis-matched is also from an Ishapore rifle. Is there a small 'RFI' on it anywhere?

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