Quote Originally Posted by greggordon52 View Post
I did not see any identifying numbers on the forend after examining it's exterior. Nor did I see any numbers on my No.4 forend's exterior. I did not examine either forend's interior (i.e., I did not remove the barrel). Where would one expect to find a serial number?
On a No1 it will be on the 'outside' of the wood near the nose-piece.


Instruction to Armourers

17. Each rifle must invariably be used with the breech bolt bearing the rifle number, otherwise the
lugs may not bear evenly, and the rifle may fire to the right or left; the distance from the bolt to the
end of the chamber may also be affected. When, owing to loss or damage, it becomes necessary to fit
another bolt to a rifle, the rifle should be fired for accuracy on the range. The fore-end and nose-cap
are also fitted and numbered to the rifle. Accuracy tests must always be carried out when either or both
of these components are exchanged.

18. When spare bolts, sight leaves, fore-ends and nose-caps are fitted to rifles, they will be marked
with the body number. When fitting a spare barrel with body, the whole of the components before
mentioned will be re-marked with the new body number.